Beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender ground beef, chewy bowtie pasta (farfalle), and a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. This meal balances rich flavors with satisfying textures, making it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you stick to the basics or add optional ingredients like spinach or mushrooms, its versatility ensures broad appeal. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a standout.

TL;DR

Combines ground beef, bowtie pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Relies on sautéing and boiling techniques using a skillet, pot, and colander.
Customizable with spinach, mushrooms, or peas.
Pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Flavor: A Symphony of Richness

The dish’s flavor hinges on three pillars: the savory depth of ground beef, the creamy tang of Alfredo sauce, and the aromatic punch of garlic. Butter and heavy cream form the sauce’s velvety base, while Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and saltiness. Browning the beef amplifies its umami richness, which contrasts beautifully with the sauce’s decadence. Optional ingredients like mushrooms or spinach introduce earthy or fresh notes.

Key Flavor Components

Savory: From well-browned ground beef.
Creamy: Achieved with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Garlicky: Fresh or roasted garlic infuses the sauce.

Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or beef steak strips Certified Angus Beef ® recommended
12 oz bowtie pasta farfalle
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Optional Additions:
1 red bell pepper deseeded and chopped
8 oz fresh sliced mushrooms
1 lb fresh asparagus cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (tender but slightly firm).
Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be careful not to overcook; the pasta should maintain its shape and texture.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef (or steak strips) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. For steak strips, cook 2-3 minutes until lightly browned but still tender.
Drain excess fat if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Optional Step 3.1: Add Vegetables

If using, sauté red bell peppers and mushrooms in the skillet until tender (3-5 minutes). Add asparagus and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Beef, and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Let the dish simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the creamy beef and bowtie Alfredo hot.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Texture: Contrast and Comfort

Texture defines this dish as much as flavor. Bowtie pasta offers a satisfying chew when cooked al dente, while ground beef should be tender but not mushy. The Alfredo sauce must coat the pasta smoothly, avoiding graininess. Ingredients like peas add a pop of firmness, balancing the dish’s richness.

Mastering Texture

Boil pasta in a pot of salted water until just tender.
Sauté beef in a skillet until crumbly but moist.
Simmer the sauce to emulsify butter and cheese fully.
Toss everything together gently to preserve individual textures.

Preparation: Tools and Techniques

This dish requires simple tools: a skillet for browning beef, a pot for boiling pasta, and a colander for draining. Sautéing the beef and garlic builds foundational flavors, while the sauce comes together quickly in the same skillet. Timing is key—cook pasta while preparing the beef to streamline the process.

Essential Steps

Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
Boil bowtie pasta in a pot; drain with a colander.
Simmer Alfredo sauce ingredients until thickened.
Combine all components and adjust seasoning.

Customization: Adapt to Your Taste

While the core ingredients are non-negotiable, additions like spinach, mushrooms, or peas elevate the dish. Stir in greens during the final simmer for freshness, or fold in roasted veggies for depth. Protein swaps (e.g., chicken) work, but ground beef remains the star.

Popular Add-Ins

Spinach: Adds color and mild bitterness.
Mushrooms: Boost umami and meatiness.
Peas: Introduce sweetness and texture.

Closing Paragraph
Beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce is a celebration of simplicity and indulgence. Its creamy sauce, tender beef, and al dente pasta create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. By mastering basic techniques like sautéing and boiling, and using tools like a skillet and colander, anyone can recreate this classic at home. Whether you keep it traditional or add spinach for a twist, this dish promises comfort in every bite.

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