Can I make this creamy beef and bowtie pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this beef and Alfredo sauce pasta dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to maintain the creamy texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work as substitutes, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk provides a similar creaminess.

My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?

Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, milk, or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine would all work well too.

How do I know when my pasta is al dente?

Al dente pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard in the center. Start testing about 2 minutes before the package directions suggest it will be done.

Can I add vegetables to make this a one-pot meal?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers make excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms when cooking the onions, and more delicate ones like spinach or peas in the final minutes of cooking.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: 3 Irresistible Alfredo Tips

Name: Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: 3 Irresistible Alfredo Tips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean); 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 2 cups Alfredo sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

Indulge in a heavenly Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, a comforting, family-friendly dinner that combines tender ground beef, al dente farfalle pasta, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The beef and Alfredo sauce create a perfect harmony of flavors that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal. This creamy beef and bowtie pasta dish will have everyone asking for seconds of the delicious pasta smothered in savory beef and Alfredo sauce!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (lean)
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
2 cups Alfredo sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Brown the Beef – While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics – Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season the Meat – Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture and stir to combine, allowing the seasonings to toast slightly and release their flavors.
Create the Creamy Sauce – Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Alfredo sauce and allow the mixture to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Finish – Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle in most of the Parmesan cheese and stir to incorporate.
Serve – Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
The dish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 675
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: creamy beef and bowtie pasta, beef and alfredo sauce, farfalle pasta with beef, creamy pasta dinner, ground beef pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, family-friendly pasta, one-pot meal, comfort food