Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

There’s something magical about the way tender beef and creamy Alfredo sauce come together—especially when tossed with fun, twirly bowtie pasta. This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce has been my go-to weeknight lifesaver for years, and trust me, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike. The sauce clings to every nook of the pasta, while the garlicky beef adds just the right amount of savory punch. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for those nights when you need comfort food fast. My family practically cheers when they see it on the table. (And yes, that includes my picky 8-year-old!)

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

This dish is one of those rare weeknight miracles that ticks all the boxes:

• Quick and easy – From pan to table in under 30 minutes (even on my most frazzled evenings!)
• Creamy comfort – That dreamy Alfredo clings to every bowtie pasta twist like a cozy blanket
• Crowd-pleaser – My kids inhale it, but it’s fancy enough for date night too
• Totally flexible – Swap in chicken, add veggies, or kick up the garlic – it’s your canvas!

Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for the pasta water to boil.

Ingredients for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle with this dish—but don’t worry, it’s all simple stuff you might already have. Here’s what you’ll need to make magic happen:

• 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or flank steak works great—slice it thin against the grain for tenderness)
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (that’s about half a standard box—measure dry before cooking!)
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce (my favorite jarred brand works fine, but homemade takes it next-level)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for getting that perfect sear on the beef)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best—none of that powdered stuff here)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (the good stuff from the refrigerated section, not the shaker bottle)
• 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper (trust me, season generously!)

See? Nothing fancy—just good ingredients ready to become something greater than the sum of their parts.

Print

How to Make Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together fast, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Here’s exactly how I make it – the timing makes all the difference between good and oh-my-goodness great:

Cooking the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (I use about 1 tbsp salt per gallon). Add bowtie pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente – you want a little bite left. Drain, but don’t rinse! That starchy water helps the sauce cling later.

Preparing the Beef

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Pat beef strips dry (this helps them brown instead of steam!) and season with salt and pepper. Cook in a single layer – don’t crowd the pan! – for 2-3 minutes per side until just browned. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

Combining the Dish

Reduce heat to medium. Push beef to one side, add garlic to the empty space and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to combine with beef and garlic. Fold in cooked pasta until every bowtie is coated in creamy goodness. Finish with a shower of Parmesan – the heat will melt it into the sauce beautifully.

That’s it! Serve immediately while everything’s hot and creamy. Pro tip: If the sauce seems thick, splash in some reserved pasta water (about 1/4 cup at a time) until it’s your perfect consistency.

Tips for the Best Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

After making this dish at least a hundred times (no exaggeration!), I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to restaurant-worthy:

• Fresh garlic is non-negotiable – That jarred stuff just won’t give you the same aromatic punch. I press mine right into the pan for maximum flavor.
• Save your pasta water – That starchy liquid is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency. I keep a mugful on standby.
• Season in layers – Salt the pasta water, season the beef, then taste the final dish. You’ll be amazed at the difference.
• Don’t overcook the beef – It keeps cooking in the sauce, so pull it from the pan when it’s just shy of done.

Oh, and always, always warm your serving bowls – cold dishes make sauces seize up! For another indulgent and satisfying dish, try our Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice – it’s packed with flavor and perfect for dinner.

Variations for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Some of my favorite twists:

• Veggie boost – Toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or spinach for color and nutrition
• Protein swap – Chicken works wonderfully instead of beef, or try crispy pancetta for extra richness
• Spice it up – A pinch of red pepper flakes or splash of hot sauce wakes up the creamy sauce

Sometimes I even mix in sun-dried tomatoes when I’m feeling fancy – their tangy sweetness plays so nicely with the Alfredo!

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

This rich, creamy pasta dish begs for simple sides that balance it out. My family loves it with crusty garlic bread for sauce-mopping (duh!), but a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted asparagus or zucchini make great veggie options too—just toss them in the oven while the pasta cooks!

Storing and Reheating Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Leftovers? No problem! This pasta keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge—just pop it in an airtight container. When reheating, I always add a splash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons) to bring back that creamy texture. Microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Pro tip: The pasta soaks up sauce as it sits, so don’t be shy with that extra milk!

Nutritional Information for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients and brands, but here’s a general estimate per serving: about 450 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated), 35g carbohydrates (2g fiber), and 25g protein. Keep in mind that homemade Alfredo sauce or different cuts of beef will change these numbers slightly. I always tell my family – it’s comfort food, not health food!

Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta dish will be a hit. Don’t forget to save and share it on Pinterest so you can make it again and again!

FAQs About Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this recipe:

Now that you’ve got all my secrets for perfect Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, it’s your turn to make kitchen magic! Trust me – once you taste how the creamy sauce hugs those pasta twists and the garlicky beef melts in your mouth, you’ll understand why this recipe never leaves my rotation. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s new favorite too. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you – did you add extra veggies? Go wild with garlic? Snap a pic and tell me all about it in the comments below!