If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels both indulgent and homey, this Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe might just become your new favorite. Juicy, well-seasoned beef strips meet tender bowtie pasta, all smothered in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce that dances with garlic and Parmesan. It’s a perfect balance of hearty and rich, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress anyone at your table. Let me walk you through why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe is delightfully straightforward because every ingredient plays an essential role in building the dish’s amazing flavor and texture.
- 1 pound beef strips (such as flank steak or sirloin): Choose tender cuts for juicy, flavorful bites that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t be shy seasoning your beef and sauce.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a bright, subtle kick that keeps things interesting.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the beef with fragrant herbs for a taste of classic Italian flair.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the beef to a beautiful brown crust, locking in those savory juices.
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and tender beef pieces.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and silkiness to your Alfredo sauce base.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that livens up the cream sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of this dish’s luxurious texture, giving you that crave-worthy Alfredo experience.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty note that melds everything together beautifully.
How to Make Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this seasoning step is crucial for flavorful pasta. Toss in your bowtie pasta and cook until perfectly al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve a quarter-cup of the pasta water; this little trick will help you adjust your sauce later for ideal creaminess and texture.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Beef
Pat your beef strips dry to encourage a beautiful brown crust when searing. Generously season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to layer in that wonderful Mediterranean essence. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear your beef strips until golden on all sides and cooked through, usually 4 to 5 minutes. Set the beef aside on a plate—this step builds the foundation of savory flavor.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Using the same pot you cooked the pasta in (talk about easy clean-up), melt butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this is the moment when your kitchen fills with irresistible aroma. Pour in heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, stirring often so the sauce thickens evenly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Season
Sprinkle in your grated Parmesan cheese and stir constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If your sauce feels too thick, whisk in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the perfect pouring consistency. This step is where your Alfredo truly comes to life.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the beautifully seared beef strips to the pot, along with your drained bowtie pasta. Gently toss or fold everything together so the sauce evenly coats every piece of pasta and tender beef. Warm it all through for a minute or two. This is where all the flavors marry and your meal comes together in silky, comforting harmony.
How to Serve Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh, bright note and beautiful color contrast. A little extra shaved Parmesan on top never hurts either—it amps up the cheesiness and gives that restaurant-quality finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is fantastic for sopping up any leftover sauce, making every bite count.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at dinner parties or family gatherings, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls and top with a drizzle of truffle oil or toasted pine nuts. Alternatively, layer it in a casserole dish and bake briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbling, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let your Beef and Bowtie Alfredo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish anytime with minimal effort.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well if you want to save it for a later meal. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the pasta texture might be slightly softer after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to avoid burning and bring everything back to creamy perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works wonderfully, you can also use ribeye or even stew meat if it’s cut into thin strips. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to keep the beef tender and juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe without heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of milk and cream cheese or half-and-half, but be aware that the sauce might be less rich and slightly thinner. Adding extra Parmesan can help maintain some of that creamy texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat moderate when simmering the cream and avoid boiling vigorously. Stir continuously while melting the cheese to ensure a smooth sauce. Adding pasta water gradually also helps stabilize the consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply scale up the ingredients accordingly and use a larger pot and skillet to handle the quantities. This Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe scales beautifully and makes for a crowd-pleaser.
What can I do if the sauce is too salty?
If you find the sauce too salty, try adding a splash of unsalted cream or milk to dilute the saltiness. Alternatively, tossing in extra cooked pasta or neutral vegetables can balance out the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, treated with just a little love, can transform into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this dish delivers a wonderful comfort-food experience every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it!
Print
Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Beef and Bowtie Alfredo is a hearty and creamy pasta dish featuring tender seared beef strips tossed with bowtie pasta in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it combines the comforting flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 pound beef strips (such as flank steak or sirloin)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare and Sear Beef: Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef strips until well browned on all sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. If the sauce is too thick, gradually whisk in the reserved pasta water until the desired sauce consistency is achieved.
- Combine and Warm Through: Add the cooked beef strips and drained bowtie pasta to the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss or fold to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Warm together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed without thinning the flavor.
- Patting the beef dry before searing helps achieve a better crust and flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
