Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce! It’s creamy, satisfying, and so incredibly easy to whip up on a weeknight when I just want to relax after a long day. The first time I made this, I was just experimenting with ingredients I had on hand, and wow—was I blown away by how delicious it turned out! The rich Alfredo sauce clings perfectly to the bowtie pasta, and the ground beef takes it to a whole new level of heartiness. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare beef and bowtie pasta with alfredo sauce
Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that bowtie pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add in the 8 oz of bowtie pasta. Follow the package instructions for the cooking time—usually about 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking, but that’s totally optional!
Sauté the Garlic
Now, grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbly and fragrant, toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté that for about 30 seconds until it smells heavenly—don’t let it brown too much, or it can get bitter!
Brown the Beef
Time to add in the star of the show! Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring and cooking until it’s browned all the way through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Just be sure to drain any excess fat if needed. You want that beef to be nice and delicious!
Create the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This part is key! You want it to bubble softly, not boil vigorously. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Just picture that luscious sauce coating everything!
Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the magic! Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the beef and Alfredo sauce. Give everything a good toss to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy goodness. It’s a beautiful sight, trust me!
Season and Serve
Finally, don’t forget to season your dish! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Serve it warm, and get ready for the compliments to roll in. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, and you’ll love every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Easy one-pan meal with minimal cleanup
- Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce elevates the dish
- Hearty ground beef adds satisfying protein
- Kids and adults alike will love it!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—especially the garlic and Parmesan cheese!
- Keep an eye on your sauce; it should simmer gently. If it boils too vigorously, it can separate, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Don’t rush the browning of the beef; letting it get a nice color adds depth to the flavor.
- If you want a little extra kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference—it makes a world of difference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! You can store your delicious beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it up—this helps keep it fresh and tasty!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating them on the stovetop. Just toss the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently until it’s warmed through and creamy again. You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional information for a serving of my beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is hearty and filling, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. Enjoy it guilt-free knowing it packs a protein punch along with all that creamy goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love bowtie pasta for this dish, you can use any pasta you prefer—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work great!
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Yes! You can swap out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative like half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream. Using lean ground beef or turkey can also cut down on the fat content.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers is a fantastic way to boost the nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the garlic!
How do I store leftovers?
Store your beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing!
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you reheat, it may need a little extra cream to get back to that creamy goodness.
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce: 2 Ways to Savor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy and satisfying dish featuring beef and bowtie pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta with the beef and Alfredo sauce. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add herbs like parsley or basil.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: beef and bowtie pasta with alfredo sauce
