Description
Beef and bowtie pasta with alfredo sauce combines creamy Italian flavors with hearty ingredients. Rich sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while tender beef adds depth to this family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound beef sirloin or ground beef
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Vegetables:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Boil bowtie pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, breaking into crumbles until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Remove beef from skillet, leaving behind flavorful drippings.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter, adding minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and golden.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent scorching. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season Alfredo sauce with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring until well integrated.
- Reintroduce browned beef to the sauce, then fold in sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach leaves.
- Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to slightly wilt.
- Gently fold cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Customize pasta thickness by choosing different bowtie pasta sizes for varied texture and visual appeal.
- Opt for lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
- Reduce sauce richness by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a healthier alternative.
- Enhance dish nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more color and vitamins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg