Name: Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta; 1 lb ground beef or beef tips; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Creamy, cozy, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the weeknight dinner your whole family will crave. Tender bowtie pasta is coated in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, then tossed with perfectly seasoned beef bites that soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s comfort food with a gourmet touch—no oven required.

What makes this dish shine is the texture contrast: the chew of the beef, the softness of the bowties, and the silky smooth sauce that binds it all together. Whether you’re serving it straight from the skillet or packing it for leftovers, it keeps its flavor and flair. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you’ve got a dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle), you can easily switch it up with penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles. Bowtie pasta holds the Alfredo sauce beautifully in its folds, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Ingredients for the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The wide surface and ruffled edges trap the Alfredo sauce for a perfect bite every time.

Ground Beef or Beef Tips: Opt for lean ground beef or cubed sirloin tips for hearty texture and flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder.

Heavy Cream: The base of your Alfredo sauce—it creates the lush, velvety consistency that clings to the pasta.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, offering that nutty, umami punch classic to Alfredo.

Butter: Adds richness and brings out the creamy depth of the sauce.

Garlic: Freshly minced or pre-minced—either way, garlic provides a savory kick that balances the cream.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and sauce to taste.

Fresh Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and a light, herby finish.

How To Make the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a touch of oil and brown the beef. If using beef tips, sear until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan and mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked pasta and beef back into the skillet. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the Alfredo sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving and Storing Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Serve this pasta hot straight from the skillet for the creamiest, most flavorful experience. A side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad balances the richness beautifully.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. Chicken, shrimp, or even ground turkey work well in place of beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is there a lighter version of this Alfredo sauce?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. You’ll still get creaminess with less richness.

How can I add veggies to this recipe?

Great idea. Try sautéing spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli along with the beef or add them in after the sauce is made.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, keep the sauce and pasta separate until just before serving. Reheat and mix when ready to serve.

Will the sauce thicken as it cools?

It will. Reheat slowly with a bit of cream or milk to loosen it up.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended for creamy sauces as they can separate. If you must freeze it, stir well when reheating to help re-emulsify.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Beef and Bowtie Pasta, you might love these other cozy pasta creations:

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for easy cleanup and full flavor.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you crave that baked-in cheesy goodness.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli when you want greens with your cream.
Red Pepper Rigatoni for a bold and creamy pepper twist.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for a more decadent beef option.

Looking for more pasta night inspiration? Check out my daily recipes on Pinterest at Life with Jam.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again and again.

If you gave this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce a try, I’d love to know! Did you use ground beef or steak tips? Add extra garlic? Share your tweaks and thoughts in the comments below.

Helping each other cook better, one dish at a time!

Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, hearty, and done in under 30 minutes, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with tender beef and bowtie pasta, it’s a meal the whole family will ask for again and again.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the ground beef or sear beef tips until cooked through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove beef and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Return cooked pasta and beef to the skillet. Gently toss to coat everything evenly in the Alfredo sauce.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.