Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce on a busy weeknight. The creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce clings to every piece of tender pasta, while the savory beef adds a hearty touch that makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a way to use up some leftover ground beef and an extra jar of Alfredo sauce in my pantry. It quickly became a staple in our home—simple to make, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish never disappoints.

Why You'll Love This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is bound to become a favorite in your household.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner on the table.

Second, this dish is budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, store-bought Alfredo sauce, and bowtie pasta makes this a meal that won’t break the bank while still feeling indulgent.

Third, it’s comfort food at its best. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful beef creates a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Finally, it’s highly versatile. You can swap out ingredients to fit your preferences—try using Italian sausage instead of beef or adding a handful of spinach for extra greens.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce lies in its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element brings something special to the dish.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is the perfect choice for this recipe. Its ridged surface and unique shape help hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, penne or rotini make great substitutes.

Ground beef adds heartiness and richness to the dish. I prefer using an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken also work well.

Alfredo sauce is the star of the dish, bringing in that signature creamy, garlicky goodness. While homemade Alfredo sauce is always an option, a high-quality store-bought version works beautifully and keeps things simple.

Parmesan cheese enhances the Alfredo sauce, adding an extra layer of umami and depth. For the best results, opt for freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged varieties.

You’ll also need garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning to build additional layers of flavor. A little minced garlic and diced onion sautéed with the beef take this dish from good to great.

How To Make This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Making this dish is as simple as it gets, but the result is anything but ordinary. Follow these steps to create a meal that’s creamy, savory, and utterly delicious.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Next, add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for a couple of minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning to infuse the beef with extra flavor.

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the Alfredo sauce, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the bowtie pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined.

Your dish is now ready to serve! From start to finish, this meal takes around 30 minutes—perfect for a stress-free dinner.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—this pasta dish stores well for easy meals later on.

For refrigeration, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more delicious.

For freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Store it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage if you want a bolder, spicier flavor profile. The seasonings in sausage add an extra kick of deliciousness.

Use homemade Alfredo sauce for a from-scratch option. A simple blend of butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that’s irresistible.

Add veggies for extra nutrition. Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers all pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and beef.

Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.

Experiment with different pasta shapes. While bowtie pasta is ideal, penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi also work well.

No matter how you choose to customize this dish, it’s sure to be a hit. With its creamy sauce, hearty beef, and satisfying pasta, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort food.

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