Save This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It's a hearty, satisfying dish that's easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy pasta will be a hit!
I first made this pasta for a family dinner, and everyone loved how the rich Alfredo sauce paired with the tender beef and bowtie pasta. It quickly became one of our favorite meals to make on busy evenings when we wanted something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: 12 oz
- Ground beef: 1 lb (80/20 for best flavor)
- Alfredo sauce: 2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Brown Beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning:
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the beef. Sauté until fragrant.
- Make Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low and add Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Save This recipe is a favorite in our house, especially on chilly evenings when everyone gathers around the table craving something warm and comforting.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will satisfy any appetite.
Variations
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or replacing ground beef with ground turkey for a different flavor profile that still delivers delicious results.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce's creamy texture.
Save This beef and bowtie pasta will become a treasured comfort meal in your home. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well if bowtie pasta isn’t available, keeping similar texture and sauce absorption.
- → Is homemade Alfredo sauce recommended?
Homemade Alfredo boosts flavor, but high-quality store-bought sauce offers convenience and still creates a rich finish.
- → How can I lighten the dish?
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness, and choose leaner ground beef if preferred for less fat.
- → What garnishes pair best?
Fresh parsley, toasted breadcrumbs, or chopped walnuts add vibrant color and crunch for a rounded final touch.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, reheating gently with extra milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
- → Can red pepper flakes be omitted?
Absolutely; red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or removed to suit taste preferences for spice.