If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender ground beef with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce that’s rich with Parmesan and a hint of garlic. This dish is comfort food elevated to something truly special, bringing together simple ingredients that create a gorgeous blend of flavors and textures with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each element in this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding creaminess, or providing a satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty foundation that adds savory richness and protein.
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta: Its charming shape holds the sauce beautifully for every forkful.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety Alfredo base.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The key to sharp, nutty flavor and sauce thickness.
- 1/2 cup butter: Adds a silky smoothness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle spice that complements the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of heat.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef with a touch of fruity flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and herbal zest.
How to Make Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor and helps it cook evenly. Add the bowtie pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, meaning tender but still with a slight bite. This texture helps the pasta hold up beautifully once it’s tossed with the sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Browning the beef creates those wonderful caramelized bits that boost the dish’s overall flavor. Once fully cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside to keep the skillet ready for the Alfredo sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant — this is the flavor booster for your sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly. Then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until everything melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the browned beef to the skillet and stir it into the creamy sauce. Then add the drained bowtie pasta, tossing everything gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in that indulgent Alfredo sauce. Use a little reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick, which keeps it silky and light.
Step 5: Finish with Mozzarella and Season
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta and stir it in until melted, creating an extra layer of cheesy richness. Let the whole dish cook together for a couple more minutes, then season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finally, turn off the heat and get ready to plate this comfort classic.
How to Serve Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley as a garnish brightens the presentation and cuts through the richness with a pop of herbal freshness. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top creates a gorgeous finishing touch. For an added twist, a dash of lemon zest can lift the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a hearty main course, but pairing it with crisp roasted vegetables or a crunchy green salad offers a nice textural contrast. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce that lingers on the plate — always a delicious bonus.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with a sprig of parsley and a Parmesan crisp. You can also bake this recipe briefly in an oven-safe dish topped with extra mozzarella and breadcrumbs to turn it into a bubbling pasta bake. It’s a wonderful way to make this comforting meal extra special for guests or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal that tastes just as satisfying after a quick reheat.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but keep in mind cream sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. To minimize texture changes, freeze the pasta without cheese for best results and add fresh mozzarella when reheating. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to restore creaminess. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help revive the sauce’s luscious texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is wonderful here for trapping sauce in its folds, penne, fusilli, or farfalle would all be fantastic substitutes that pair beautifully with creamy sauces like Alfredo.
Is it possible to make this recipe without heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and velvety. Heavy cream really is what makes the Alfredo sauce so luxurious.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Adding steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach is an easy way to boost the nutritional value and color. Just toss them in with the pasta at the end to warm through before serving.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the beef and prepare the sauce separately in advance, then combine and add the pasta just before serving. This helps save time if you’re getting ready for a busy evening.
What can I do if my Alfredo sauce is too thick?
Gradually stir in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy. The starch in the pasta water helps maintain that silky consistency without watering down the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward to make. It’s a perfect dish for cozy nights at home or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce combines tender ground beef and al dente bowtie pasta smothered in a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, and topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley, this comforting dish is perfect for an easy yet indulgent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over medium-high heat for the bowtie pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
- Heat Olive Oil: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove Beef: Once the beef is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the cream simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce.
- Stir to Melt Cheese: Stir the sauce until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Beef with Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine it with the sauce.
- Add Pasta: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and stir it in until it has melted into the sauce.
- Heat Through: Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the pasta is well-coated and heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Remove the skillet from the heat and taste, adjusting seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note to the dish.
- Make sure not to burn garlic when sautéing to avoid bitterness.
