Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's something truly comforting about the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce paired with hearty beef and tender bowtie pasta. The aroma of garlic, sizzling beef, and Parmesan wafting from the kitchen is enough to bring the whole family running to the table.

this Recipe

This dish became a weeknight staple for us after one of those “what can I make with what’s in the fridge?” nights. It turns out, bowtie pasta and Alfredo sauce are a match made in comfort food heaven—especially when paired with savory, seasoned ground beef.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to please. Let’s dive into why this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Why You'll Love This Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Get ready to fall head over heels for this creamy, dreamy dinner. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s got everything you want in a comfort meal: rich flavor, filling protein, and the kind of pasta that makes every bite a little celebration.

Quick and weeknight-friendly. From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes. That’s faster than takeout and far more satisfying. No need for fancy prep work or multiple pans—just simple steps with big payoff.

Budget-friendly and family-approved. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and with just a few pantry staples like pasta and jarred Alfredo sauce, you’ve got a full dinner that won’t break the bank. Even picky eaters love this one.

Creamy, cozy, and ultra-satisfying. The Alfredo sauce clings perfectly to those little bowties, and the beef adds a delicious, savory contrast. It’s indulgent, yes, but totally worth it—especially on a chilly evening.

Easily customizable. Whether you’re sneaking in some spinach, swapping in chicken, or using homemade Alfredo sauce, this dish adapts beautifully to your needs. It’s a blank canvas for your flavor creativity.

Once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again. And luckily, it reheats like a dream—if there are any leftovers at all!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its short ingredient list and how well each component plays its part. With just a handful of simple items, you can whip up a dish that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

Bowtie pasta is the star of the show here. Also known as farfalle, this pasta shape is ideal for catching every bit of creamy Alfredo sauce in its folds and ridges. It’s sturdy enough to stand up to the beef, but still has that delicate, satisfying bite.

Ground beef adds a savory, hearty element that balances out the richness of the Alfredo. I like to use 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio—it’s flavorful without being greasy. Make sure to season it well while browning to infuse flavor throughout the dish.

Alfredo sauce is what ties everything together. A jarred version works perfectly for weeknights—I love the ones made with real cream and cheese. Of course, if you have the time and want to make it from scratch, go for it! Just make sure it’s creamy and well-seasoned.

Garlic and onion add that aromatic base that brings the whole dish to life. Don’t skip the garlic—it gives the Alfredo sauce a savory depth that really makes the flavors sing. Fresh is best, but jarred garlic will work in a pinch.

Parmesan cheese gives this pasta that final touch of indulgence. Stir it into the sauce or sprinkle on top right before serving—it adds a salty, nutty punch that elevates the entire dish.

For equipment, you’ll need a large pot to boil the pasta, a deep skillet or sauté pan to cook the beef and combine everything, and a colander for draining. A microplane for grating Parmesan is handy too if you're going the fresh cheese route.

How To Make This Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Making this meal is delightfully simple, even on your busiest evenings. It all comes together in a few easy steps, and the results are nothing short of restaurant-worthy.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add your bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you can move on to preparing the beef.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and your ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning if you like. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If there's excess grease, go ahead and drain it off.

Once the beef is cooked, add in minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step adds incredible depth of flavor, and your kitchen will start smelling amazing.

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in your Alfredo sauce. Stir it into the beef mixture until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it up. Let it simmer for a few minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.

Now, drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and everything is evenly distributed. Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese and give it a final stir.

From start to finish, this whole process should take about 30 minutes. What you get is a rich, creamy pasta dish packed with flavor and ready to serve. Just add a side salad or some garlic bread and dinner is done!

Storage Options

Leftovers of this beef and bowtie pasta are almost as good—if not better—the next day. Store any cooled extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead lunch.

If you want to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, though keep in mind that creamy sauces can separate slightly when thawed. A quick stir while reheating usually fixes that.

For best reheating results, use the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. The microwave also works well—just cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

This dish is perfect for meal prepping—portion it out into containers and you’ve got easy lunches or dinners ready to go!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly customizable, so feel free to make it your own depending on what you have on hand or who you're feeding.

Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage if you want a spicier, more robust flavor. Mild or hot both work wonderfully, and it pairs beautifully with the Alfredo.

Go meatless by replacing the beef with mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Just sauté the veggies until tender and mix them into the Alfredo—rich, creamy, and still super satisfying.

Switch up the pasta! While bowtie pasta is ideal, you can easily substitute penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Use what’s in your pantry—the sauce and beef work with nearly any shape.

For a homemade twist, try making your own Alfredo sauce using butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. It takes just 10 minutes and adds a gourmet touch.

Want to add a kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of pesto for an herby twist. You can also top it with fresh parsley or basil for brightness.

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