Bow Tie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta; Salt for water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Smart Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce on busy weeknights when I'm craving comfort food. This dish is rich and creamy, and it comes together in just about 20 minutes! The unique shape of the bow tie pasta catches the luscious sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is a delightful explosion of flavors. I often add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a hint of freshness, making it not just delicious but visually appealing as well.

Created by

Juliet Ashford

Last updated on 2026-02-24T06:01:30.735Z

When I first attempted making Alfredo sauce from scratch, I was genuinely surprised by how simple and satisfying it turned out! Combining butter, cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano creates a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly, especially with bow tie noodles. I recommend using freshly grated cheese as it melts better and enhances the overall flavor dramatically.

One of my favorite tips is to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining the noodles. Adding a couple of tablespoons of this starchy water to your sauce can help achieve that creamy consistency and ensure the sauce adheres beautifully to the pasta. It's these little tricks that transform a good dish into an unforgettable one!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly
Quick and easy preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners
Versatile and can be enhanced with vegetables or proteins of your choice

The Importance of Cooking Pasta Correctly

Cooking the bow tie pasta to the perfect al dente texture is crucial for this dish. To achieve this, follow the package's recommended cooking time closely, typically around 8-10 minutes. Look for a firm yet tender bite that maintains some resistance when bitten into. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta, which will not hold the Alfredo sauce well, ruining the delightful texture of the dish.

Don't forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water acts as a versatile tool to adjust the sauce's thickness. If your sauce feels too thick after mixing with the pasta, add the reserved pasta water gradually. This small step can elevate the dish, ensuring a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to each bow tie.

Mastering the Alfredo Sauce

The key to a luscious Alfredo sauce is to keep the heat at medium when melting the butter and combining ingredients. If the heat is too high, you risk separating the butter and cream, leading to an unappealing texture. Once the butter is melted, slowly stir in the cream. You want a gentle simmer, seeing small bubbles forming on the edges of the pan, not a vigorous boil.

Using high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is essential for maximum flavor in your sauce. Grate it fresh rather than using pre-packaged shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness. Gradually whisk it in until you have a glossy, creamy consistency, making sure there are no lumps.

Variations and Enhancements

This Bow Tie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce serves as a fantastic base for additional flavors. Consider adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for color, nutrition, and texture. Simply fold them in at the combining step after the pasta has been added to the sauce, ensuring even distribution.

For protein lovers, grilled chicken or shrimp can easily elevate this dish. If using shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and opaque and mix them with the pasta just before serving. This addition introduces a savory element that complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz bow tie pasta
Salt for water

For the Alfredo Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and save a cup of pasta water.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then gradually whisk in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano until smooth.

Combine

Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious Bow Tie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic in the butter before adding the cream, or toss in some steamed broccoli or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

Tips for Perfect Storage

If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a low flame on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's texture. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and avoid drying out.

Freezing is an option as well, but it's best to freeze the uncombined pasta and sauce separately to maintain texture. The pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, while the sauce should be refrigerated for quick use within a week.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is easy and allows you to cater to different group sizes. For larger gatherings, you can simply double the amount of ingredients while maintaining the same cooking techniques and times. Keep the same proportion of pasta to sauce for a well-balanced meal.

When scaling down, be mindful of the need for slightly less cooking time. Start checking the pasta just before the minimum time on the package, and adjust your sauce recipe accordingly to ensure you don’t end up with too much or too little sauce for your pasta.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, but the sauce clings best to shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even spiral pasta.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

Yes! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter to make it lower in calories.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.

→ Can I freeze Alfredo pasta?

It's not recommended to freeze Alfredo pasta, as the cream can separate upon thawing. Instead, it's best enjoyed fresh.