Introduction
If you’re looking for a creamy, hearty, and satisfying meal, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the perfect dish! Combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta (farfalle), and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Plus, it pairs well with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes!
✔ Family-Friendly – Kids and adults will love it.
✔ Rich & Creamy – Alfredo sauce makes it extra indulgent.
✔ Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or make it spicy!
✔ Perfect for Leftovers – Reheats well for meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Beef:
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (for extra greens)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (adds a tangy twist)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (for earthy flavor)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (extra cheesy!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
- Stir in the cooked bowtie pasta, tossing everything together to coat evenly.
- If adding optional ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms, mix them in now and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.
Tips for the Best Beef and Bowtie Pasta
✔ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better than pre-packaged cheese.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
✔ Make It Spicier – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Want a Lighter Version? – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
✔ Enhance the Flavor – Add a splash of white wine when cooking the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
🍞 Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted asparagus
- Caesar salad
- Sautéed green beans
🍷 Drinks That Pair Well:
- White wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio)
- Lemon-infused sparkling water
- Light beer (Pilsner, Lager)
Storage & Reheating
Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
- Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freeze:
- The Alfredo sauce may separate when frozen, so it’s best to enjoy this fresh.
- If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly while stirring.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is rich, creamy, and comforting—perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home!
Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with your family! 🍝💛
