Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is my idea of the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce. Whether I’m making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping leftovers for the week, this dish always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta because it brings together the richness of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of beef, making it a filling and flavorful one-pan meal. The bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, and the ground beef adds a satisfying, savory bite. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and always a hit with everyone at the table—even picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta

• Ground beef

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Onion, chopped

• Heavy cream

• Butter

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• Salt and black pepper

• Italian seasoning (optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

5. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

6. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and beef mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly.

7. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld, then garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• I sometimes add spinach or mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies.

• Swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage works great too.

• I like using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan when I want a cheesier sauce.

• A dash of red pepper flakes gives it a mild kick without overpowering the creaminess.

• I’ve made it with penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine when I don’t have bowties on hand.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or cream and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until creamy again. It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, but it can be done—just expect the sauce to separate slightly upon thawing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, I’ve used jarred Alfredo in a pinch, but homemade sauce really makes this dish shine. It’s worth the extra few minutes.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

I love bowtie pasta because it holds the sauce well and looks great, but any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works just fine.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. I’ve added spinach, peas, mushrooms, or even roasted broccoli to bulk it up and add texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! The creamy sauce and pasta combo is always a hit with kids. I just keep the seasoning mild and skip the red pepper flakes.

How can I make this lighter?

I use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. It’s still creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that always satisfies. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor—everything I want in a one-dish dinner. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this pasta recipe is a keeper in my rotation.

Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: ~35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

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Description

This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a creamy, hearty one-pan meal made with tender ground beef, farfalle pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting, easy dinner recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or make-ahead leftovers.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in butter and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

5. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.

6. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.

7. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.

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Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey, sausage, or a meatless alternative.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra veggies.
• For extra cheesiness, mix in shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese.
• Add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
• Substitute pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells if needed.