Description
Creamy beef and bowtie pasta with alfredo sauce weaves Italian comfort into a hearty midweek dinner. Rich parmesan, tender ground beef, and silky sauce create a perfect plate you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thin
- 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare bowtie pasta in salted water according to package directions at a rolling boil for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking into crumbly pieces until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Transfer cooked beef to a separate plate, leaving behind flavorful drippings in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the same skillet; add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth base; incorporate Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until sauce becomes silky and slightly thickened.
- Reintroduce browned beef to the creamy sauce; fold in sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach leaves, allowing ingredients to meld together for 3-4 minutes.
- Gently combine cooked bowtie pasta with the beef and sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley; serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Enhance pasta texture by cooking al dente, ensuring a perfect bite that doesn’t become mushy when mixed with sauce.
- Customize protein options by substituting beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary preferences.
- Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for increased color and nutrients.
- Control sauce consistency by adjusting cream quantity; add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, creating a silky smooth coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 770 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg