When life feels hectic, my ultimate comfort meal is this creamy beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce. I’m Emily Parker, the heart behind FlavourRecipe, and this dish always saves my busy weeknights. Tender beef, buttery bowtie pasta, and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce make every bite irresistible. It’s hearty, quick, and brings my family straight to the table. For a fresh twist, pair it with my Mexican street corn pasta salad. Let’s make dinner special tonight with a bowl of cozy goodness everyone loves.
Table of Contents
The Heartwarming Story & Why You’ll Love It
My version of creamy beef and bowtie pasta is more than a quick dinner — it’s a warm memory from my childhood. I still see myself beside my aunt, stirring a big pot while the comforting aroma of garlic, beef, and pasta filled her sunny kitchen. She always taught me that the best meals are simple, hearty, and made with love, just like this creamy beef and bowtie pasta.
This dish has become my go-to for busy nights. Juicy ground beef sizzles with fresh garlic, then blends into a silky Alfredo sauce with cream, nutmeg, and plenty of Parmesan. Farfalle pasta holds every drop, turning this into the perfect creamy beef and bowtie pasta for families craving something rich yet easy.
I love how adaptable it is. Use half-and-half for a lighter version or stir in sweet corn for a pop of flavor, inspired by my high protein pasta salad. No matter how you tweak it, this pasta stays creamy, comforting, and full of taste.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a cozy Sunday dinner, creamy beef and bowtie pasta makes everyone at my table smile. It’s my secret for busy evenings and happy bellies — and I know it’ll become a favorite in your home too.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Like a Pro
Gather Your Ingredients First
PrintEASY Creamy BEEF and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Delicious
This creamy beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce is pure comfort food. Tender beef, farfalle pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce — perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 450g ground beef
- 340g bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 3. Push beef to one side, add butter and garlic to the other side. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 4. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- 5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat with sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired creaminess. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add corn or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Before you begin, make sure you have everything prepped for your creamy beef and bowtie pasta. You’ll need ground beef, farfalle pasta, butter, garlic, heavy cream or half-and-half, grated Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Keeping your ingredients ready speeds up cooking and guarantees a smooth experience.
For extra meal inspiration, check out my cozy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta — it’s another family hit on busy nights!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside
- Brown the Beef:
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Build the Creamy Sauce:
Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add butter and minced garlic to the empty side and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stir everything together, and sprinkle in the Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat every piece with the rich Alfredo sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess.
- Finish & Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy bite!
For a colorful side, pair this dish with my refreshing pasta al pesto. It’s the perfect light contrast to this rich and hearty pasta.
Creative Variations and Perfect Serving Ideas
Easy Twists to Try
One of the best things about creamy beef and bowtie pasta is how easily you can switch things up. Want to lighten it? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Craving extra veggies? Stir in a handful of baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms. For a subtle sweetness, toss in some sweet corn — just like the flavor pop in my Mexican macaroni salad.
If you’d like a protein boost without changing the taste, sprinkle cooked chickpeas or white beans over the finished pasta. They soak up the creamy sauce beautifully and keep each bite hearty and satisfying.
Another favorite variation at my house is swapping beef for ground turkey. It keeps the dish lighter but still delivers that same rich, comforting taste. A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes can add warmth without overpowering the delicate Alfredo flavor.
No matter what twist you choose, the goal stays the same: to create a creamy beef and bowtie pasta that feels comforting, filling, and simple to make anytime.
Serving Tips to Make It Shine
For a balanced meal, serve this creamy beef and bowtie pasta with a crisp side salad or a plate of roasted veggies. The freshness helps cut through the richness and keeps the meal feeling light and satisfying.
If you want an extra flavor boost, pair it with a slice of crusty garlic bread to mop up any leftover Alfredo sauce. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan just before serving — it adds a salty finish that makes each bite pop.
For busy families, make a big batch and store leftovers in airtight containers. This pasta reheats wonderfully for lunch the next day, just like my crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta — another creamy comfort classic to bookmark for your weekly meal plan.
FAQs and Final Thoughts
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a comforting, fuss-free dinner, creamy beef and bowtie pasta never disappoints. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to adapt to your taste. From quick weeknight meals to cozy Sunday suppers, this dish is a keeper in any family kitchen.
For more easy pasta recipes, don’t miss my fresh pasta al pesto or protein-packed high protein pasta salad.
Happy cooking and even happier eating — here’s to simple, delicious dinners that bring everyone back to the table!
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FAQs About Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
1. Weight Watchers Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
If you’re following Weight Watchers, lighten up this creamy beef and bowtie pasta by using lean ground beef and swapping heavy cream for low-fat milk or half-and-half. Reduce the cheese slightly and load up on veggies like zucchini or spinach. These tweaks help lower the points without sacrificing that comforting, creamy flavor you crave.
2. Is This Similar to the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta by Pioneer Woman?
Yes! Both recipes share the same comforting spirit: tender beef, rich sauce, and bowtie pasta. This version adds an Alfredo sauce twist with nutmeg for extra warmth. Feel free to make it your own by borrowing ideas from classic Pioneer Woman styles, like adding extra garlic or a splash of broth for depth.
3. I Found the Recipe on UKfinda — Is It the Same?
Many versions float around online, but this creamy beef and bowtie pasta sticks to straightforward, wholesome ingredients and skips heavy shortcuts. If you saw it on UKfinda, rest assured this is a homemade version built for flavor and easy weeknight cooking.
4. Can I Add Corn to My Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?
Absolutely! Sweet corn brings a lovely pop of color and sweetness. It works beautifully in this dish, much like it does in my Mexican street corn pasta salad. Just stir in canned or frozen corn when adding the cooked pasta back to the sauce.
