Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the kind of comfort food that brings together creamy richness and hearty satisfaction in one simple dish. This meal blends savory ground beef with tender bowtie pasta (farfalle) and smothers it all in a luscious Alfredo sauce that clings to every curve. Whether you’re serving it up poolside or making a cozy weeknight dinner, this creamy beef pasta delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.

Perfect for those who love creamy pasta dishes but want a little protein-packed twist, Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a must-try. It’s easy enough for a busy evening, yet satisfying enough to serve when you want something a little indulgent. Plus, it’s kid-approved and makes for excellent leftovers—if there’s any left, that is.

What Is the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce?

Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a fusion of classic Italian-inspired elements and American comfort food. At its core, this dish features farfalle pasta—those adorable bowtie-shaped noodles—tossed with browned ground beef and coated in a creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan.

Unlike traditional meat sauces that are tomato-based, this recipe leans into the richness of dairy, which complements the savory flavor of the beef beautifully. The texture contrast between the pasta and the browned bits of beef adds a pleasant chew, while the Alfredo brings it all together in a silky finish. It’s versatile, customizable, and satisfying—just what you want from a pasta dish.

Ingredients for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

To make this creamy and savory dish, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together effortlessly:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for depth)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

How To Make the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

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 instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the ground beef. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, draining excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the mixture gently simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Add the nutmeg at this point if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked bowtie pasta and browned beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the beef is evenly distributed. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

What to Serve with Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

This dish is already rich and satisfying, but you can elevate the meal with a few well-paired sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess, offering a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls make a perfect match, ideal for scooping up every last bit of Alfredo. For something light, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus adds a bit of color and crunch without overwhelming the main dish.

Top Tips for Perfecting Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, smoothest sauce—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect the texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Bowties can turn mushy quickly, so aim for a firm al dente to hold up under the sauce.
Let the beef brown properly. Avoid stirring too much—giving it time to develop a nice crust adds flavor depth to the final dish.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Penne, a classic white sauce option with juicy bites of seasoned chicken. Or try Sausage Alfredo Stuffed Shells for a baked version that’s ideal for gatherings.

For a seafood twist, the Shrimp Spinach Alfredo Linguine blends rich creaminess with a coastal flair. Want a vegetarian night? The Roasted Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Bake offers savory umami without the meat. And if you’re craving more texture, the Bacon Broccoli Alfredo Rigatoni gives you crisp, salty bites with every forkful.