Quick Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Easy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Whipping up a delectable beef and bowtie pasta alfredo sauce can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Creamy textures mingle with savory beef, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

pasta lovers appreciate how simple ingredients can craft something extraordinary.

Succulent beef pieces nestle perfectly among curvy bowtie noodles, promising rich flavors in every bite.

Weeknight dinners become special when you invest just a few minutes of preparation.

Aromatic seasonings and smooth sauce guarantee a satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce to Savor

  • Quickly Craft a Comforting Meal: This beef and bowtie pasta delivers a restaurant-quality dinner with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for home cooks wanting a delicious yet simple dish.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with rich Alfredo sauce and tender beef, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Streamline Your Cooking Process: Using just one skillet reduces cleanup time and allows for seamless preparation, letting you create a gourmet-style meal without complicated techniques or multiple pots and pans.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes or swap protein types, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Rich and Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Beef

Main Ingredients:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A playful pasta shape that creates delightful pockets for catching the creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Beef Slices: Tender meat that adds rich protein and savory flavor to the dish.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Provide a luxurious and smooth base for the classic Alfredo sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its natural texture.
  • Butter: Creates a rich foundation for the sauce and enhances overall flavor.
Seasonings and Extras:
  • Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Blend together to create a depth of flavor and aromatic profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps cook the beef and prevent sticking in the skillet.
Garnish:
  • Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Optional toppings that add fresh herbs and a touch of heat to the final dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Perfect Beef Bowtie Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook bowtie pasta following package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a separate bowl, ensuring it doesn’t stick together.

Step 2: Sear Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef slices and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust.

Remove beef from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 3: Create Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and releases its aromatic oils.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Add to the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Whisk continuously and simmer until the sauce starts to thicken and develops a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return the seared beef to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Transfer to serving plates and enjoy the warm, comforting dish immediately.

Expert Tips for Silky Alfredo Sauce and Tender Beef

  • Choose high-quality beef cuts like sirloin or ribeye for tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth.
  • Allow pasta to cook al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect texture when mixed with creamy sauce.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream and milk quantities – add more liquid for lighter consistency or reduce for thicker texture.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the overall taste profile of the Alfredo sauce.

Flavorful Twists to Customize Your Beef and Bowtie Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Alternative: Replace bowtie pasta with gluten-free corn or rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy Alfredo flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Create a dairy-free Alfredo sauce using coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and cashew milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Ideas That Complement This Classic Pasta Dish

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty pasta dish with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate the bowtie pasta in white ceramic dishes, garnish with fresh parsley, and offer extra Parmesan on the side for guests to customize their portions.
  • Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious work or school lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps you satisfied throughout the day.
  • Weekend Comfort Food Feast: Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables to transform this pasta into a complete weekend comfort meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

How to Store Beef and Bowtie Alfredo for Freshness

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store pasta and beef dish in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
  • Use shallow containers to help food cool quickly and maintain freshness.
  • Label the container with the date to track storage time.

FAQs

  • What makes the Alfredo sauce creamy?

The combination of heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Bowtie pasta works great, but you can substitute with other short pasta like penne or rotini for similar results.

  • How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Stir constantly while adding cheese and simmer on low heat to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.

  • Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat gently, though the sauce may thicken when cooled and might need a splash of milk when reheating.

Print
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Quick Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Quick Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic beef and bowtie pasta with alfredo sauce delivers creamy comfort on a plate. Italian-inspired ingredients combine for a hearty meal families will savor together.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced

Pasta and Starches:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare bowtie pasta in salted water according to package directions, cooking until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef slices until golden brown and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
  3. Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 1 minute.
  4. Gradually pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent scorching. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
  5. Season the developing sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  6. Return cooked beef to the skillet and fold in reserved pasta. Gently toss until every pasta piece and meat slice is luxuriously covered with creamy Alfredo sauce.
  7. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an optional subtle heat and color contrast.
  8. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and pasta maintains its ideal texture.

Notes

  • Choose al dente bowtie pasta to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushy texture.
  • Pat beef dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown sear and develop rich flavor.
  • Whisk Parmesan slowly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Swap beef with grilled chicken or tofu for lighter protein options, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 742 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 5750 mg
  • Fat: 47 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 49 g
  • Cholesterol: 154 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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