Name: Beef Bowtie Pasta Alfredo - Creamy & Delicious Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Beef Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a dish that consistently earns rave reviews, and for good reason. It’s the perfect symphony of tender, savory beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all enrobed in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience that comforts, satisfies, and delights every single time. People absolutely adore this recipe because it strikes that magical balance between being incredibly easy to prepare – making it a weeknight hero – and feeling sophisticated enough for a special occasion. What truly elevates this Beef Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce beyond the ordinary is the way the rich, decadent Alfredo sauce clings beautifully to every twist and turn of the bowtie pasta, ensuring each bite is a mouthful of pure bliss.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparing the Beef and Pasta

Browning the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the hot skillet. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. This process usually takes about 7-10 minutes. As the beef cooks, it will release its natural juices. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for a cleaner, less oily final dish. You can tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the fat, or use a paper towel to soak it up.

Cooking the Bowtie Pasta

While the beef is browning, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 ounces of bowtie pasta (farfalle) to the boiling water. Stir the pasta immediately to prevent it from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente, meaning it is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. Typically, this takes around 10-12 minutes. Do not overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is a secret weapon for achieving a silky smooth sauce. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

Creating the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Sautéing the Garlic

Return the skillet with the browned ground beef (if you removed it) to medium heat. If you drained the beef and left it in the skillet, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. If you removed the beef, add the olive oil back to the skillet first, then the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the sauce. The aroma of sautéed garlic is usually your best indicator that it’s ready.

Building the Sauce Base

Pour the 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet with the beef and garlic. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with your spoon to loosen any browned bits that may have stuck there – these are packed with flavor! Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and for the flavors to meld. This reduction step concentrates the beefy essence, adding depth to the Alfredo sauce.

Enriching with Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine it with the beef broth mixture. Allow the cream to heat through gently, but do not bring it to a boil, as this can cause it to curdle. Next, gradually add the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The mozzarella will add a lovely stretch and extra creaminess, while the Parmesan brings its signature sharp, nutty flavor. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for an aromatic boost.

Combining and Finishing

Incorporating the Pasta and Adjusting Consistency

Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and beef mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring, until you achieve your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and make it cling beautifully to the pasta. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so season judiciously.

Serving Your Delicious Dish

Once the pasta is thoroughly coated and the sauce is the perfect consistency, your Beef Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is ready to be served. Divide the pasta among individual plates or bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with the optional chopped fresh parsley. The vibrant green parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich flavors of the beef and Alfredo sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, flavorful meal you’ve created.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a straightforward guide to creating a truly delightful Beef Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce! This recipe is all about bringing rich, savory flavors together with the satisfying bite of bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, decadent Alfredo sauce. I hope you find this dish as enjoyable to make as it is to devour. It’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner, a special occasion, or whenever you’re craving a comforting and impressive meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the suggestions below!

For serving, this Beef Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. If you’re looking for variations, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the Alfredo sauce for an extra layer of flavor and texture. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving always adds a nice touch of color and freshness.

I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different cuts of beef, adjust the garlic or cheese to your preference, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Beef Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately. Cook the beef and make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time. Reheat them gently before combining with freshly cooked bowtie pasta. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.

What kind of beef is best for this recipe?

For this Beef Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or even ground beef works wonderfully. The key is to cook it to your desired doneness and slice or crumble it into bite-sized pieces that integrate well with the pasta and sauce.