Lorenzo Devereaux
When creamy Alfredo sauce meets tender bowtie pasta and hearty chunks of seasoned beef, you’ve got a comfort food classic that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This dish is all about balancing indulgence and satisfaction — each bite delivers silky sauce coating every pasta fold, while the beef adds richness and depth.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce comes together surprisingly quickly. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, this pasta not only looks beautiful on the table but tastes like something you’d get from a favorite Italian-inspired restaurant.
What Kind of Beef Should I Use?
Choosing the right cut of beef makes all the difference here. Tender beef sirloin or ribeye chunks sear beautifully and stay juicy in the sauce, but leaner options like top round can work too if cooked carefully. For a shortcut, high-quality pre-cooked beef tips can help you get dinner on the table even faster.
Ingredients for the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
- Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) – The ridged folds catch every drop of sauce, making each bite creamy and flavorful.
- Beef Chunks – Brings hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein to the dish.
- Alfredo Sauce – A velvety blend of cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese that ties the whole meal together.
- Garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil or Butter – For searing the beef and building flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning both the beef and the sauce.
How To Make the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Alfredo Base
Lower the heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Season
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef
Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the Alfredo sauce. Return the beef to the pan, folding it gently into the pasta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
Serving and Storing Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pasta is still perfectly tender. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
What to Serve With Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery, and perfect for mopping up extra Alfredo sauce.
Caesar Salad
The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and Parmesan shavings offer a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Broccoli
Adds a nutritious, earthy balance to the richness of the pasta.
Caprese Salad
Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a vibrant side.
Steamed Asparagus
Light and tender, it pairs beautifully with creamy pasta dishes.
Antipasto Platter
Cured meats, olives, and marinated veggies offer variety and bold flavors.
Bruschetta
Fresh tomato topping over crusty bread adds a bright, zesty bite.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious comfort-food favorites:
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cheesy, tomato-infused twist.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you want a quick, one-pan wonder.
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you can’t get enough of that Alfredo richness.
- One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, savory variation.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe when you’re craving something creamy with a romantic flair.
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Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Box grater or microplane
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, divided freshly ground
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season beef with half the salt and pepper; sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate; tent to keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter; when melted, sauté garlic 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining salt and pepper; simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Loosen sauce with splashes of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add drained pasta and any beef juices to the skillet; toss to coat. Fold in the seared beef. Garnish with parsley and serve.