Imagine lounging poolside under a warm sun, the scent of creamy garlic and savory beef floating from the kitchen nearby. That’s the essence of this dish—Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. It’s indulgent, cozy, and has just the right mix of elegance and comfort. The farfalle pasta, with its cute bow-tie shape, cradles the rich Alfredo sauce, while seasoned ground beef adds heartiness to every bite.
Whether you’re after a quick yet satisfying dinner or looking to impress guests with something deceptively simple, this pasta delivers. It’s a perfect match for casual evenings or when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s start by gathering everything you need to bring this dish to life.
Ingredients for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, or until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing.
Step 4: Mix in Alfredo Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Pour in the Alfredo sauce, stirring it gently into the beef until fully combined. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy beefy Alfredo goodness. Let it heat through for another 2 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Storage Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine with how good this is!), this dish stores beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and store for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess of the Alfredo.
- Freezer: While you can freeze this dish, Alfredo sauces made with cream can separate when reheated. If you do freeze it, use within 1 month and reheat slowly with added cream or milk to help bring it back together.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~580 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
Note: Nutrition will vary slightly depending on the Alfredo sauce brand and exact ingredient quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work well if bowtie pasta isn’t available.
2. Is there a good substitute for Alfredo sauce?
You can use a simple homemade version: butter, cream, and Parmesan melted together. A lighter version with Greek yogurt also works well.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats nicely. Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat just before serving.
4. What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne while cooking the beef for a bit of kick.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and substitute with plant-based Parmesan and cream.
6. What sides go well with this pasta?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies are great pairings.
7. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
8. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Toss it with a little olive oil after draining, especially if you’re not combining it with the sauce right away.
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Craving something creamy, comforting, and full of flavor? This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is your go-to! It’s an easy recipe that combines tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, and rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. Ideal for quick dinners, cozy food nights, or when you’re just out of dinner ideas and need something satisfying fast. Think creamy textures, hearty protein, and pasta that hugs all the goodness—this is the kind of meal you’ll come back to over and over again. Whether you’re into easy dinner ideas or on the lookout for new comfort food ideas, this one hits all the marks.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente (10–12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Alfredo sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Heat for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and parsley if desired.