Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and savory dish, Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the perfect comfort food. Combining tender beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a great way to indulge in a flavorful, satisfying meal.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating this delicious recipe from scratch, offering tips for customizing it, and ensuring that each bite is as creamy and flavorful as possible. So let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Let’s break down the process for making this indulgent Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. We’ll guide you through every step to ensure that the beef, pasta, and sauce all come together perfectly.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta, which will take about 10 minutes.
- Boil water: Fill a large pot with water, adding about a tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the bowtie pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain and set aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This will help adjust the consistency of the Alfredo sauce later on. Set the pasta aside and keep it warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the beef. This will help ensure that the beef and the pasta are ready at roughly the same time.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Worcestershire sauce: Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. This adds a deep, savory flavor to the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Now, let’s move on to the rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This part is key to giving the dish its luxurious, velvety texture.
- Melt the butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the heavy cream: Pour the heavy cream into the pan with the melted butter and garlic. Stir it well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cheeses: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously to help the cheeses melt smoothly into the cream. As the cheese melts, the sauce will thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, pepper, and the ground nutmeg. Nutmeg may seem unusual, but it adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce that makes it more complex. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Simmer and adjust consistency: Let the Alfredo sauce simmer on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Keep the sauce warm on low heat until you’re ready to combine everything.
Step 4: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Alfredo Sauce
At this point, all the components—beef, pasta, and Alfredo sauce—are ready to come together. Here’s how to combine them:
- Combine beef and pasta: In the skillet with the cooked beef, add the drained pasta. Gently toss them together, making sure the beef is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Add the Alfredo sauce: Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the beef and pasta mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce, and the beef is evenly distributed.
- Heat through: Allow the combined mixture to cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, just enough for everything to come together and become heated through.
Step 5: Serve the Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Once everything is mixed and heated, you’re ready to serve! This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Here’s how to plate it:
- Plate the pasta: Using tongs or a large spoon, serve generous portions of the beef and bowtie pasta onto plates.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish. If you like, add fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce immediately, perhaps with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
- Use fresh cheese: When making Alfredo sauce, it’s essential to use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness and texture.
- Don’t overcook the beef: While cooking the ground beef, make sure it’s browned but not overcooked. Overcooking can result in dry beef, which can affect the overall texture of the dish.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Make the sauce ahead of time: You can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently over low heat, adding a bit more cream or pasta water to loosen it up.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to add extra layers of flavor. You can also use different types of pasta if you prefer—penne or rigatoni would work well.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or beef mixture.
Variations on Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
This dish is highly customizable, and you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:
- Beef and Broccoli Alfredo: Add steamed broccoli to the pasta for a healthy, colorful twist. The broccoli pairs perfectly with the creamy Alfredo sauce and beef.
- Spicy Beef Alfredo: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the beef mixture to give the dish a spicy kick. This is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their pasta.
- Beef and Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté mushrooms along with the beef and onions for a deeper, umami-packed flavor. Mushrooms bring a meaty texture and a savory depth to the dish.
- Chicken Alfredo with Bowtie Pasta: If you prefer chicken over beef, simply substitute ground beef with diced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter option. The Alfredo sauce will still pair beautifully with the chicken.
Conclusion
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a creamy, indulgent, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich Alfredo sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a special occasion.
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and savory dish, Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the perfect comfort food. Combining tender beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a great way to indulge in a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (or lean ground beef)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or more heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, adds a nice depth of flavor)
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet (or a separate saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese (if using), allowing the cheeses to melt and thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, adjusting to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Combine the Beef, Pasta, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked beef mixture into the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and beef.
- If needed, add more pasta water to loosen up the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Plate the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired.