
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and full of flavor, Balsamic Glaze Steak Alfredo Bowties is your perfect match. This dish brings together tender, juicy steak slices with creamy Alfredo sauce, fresh spinach, and a luscious balsamic glaze that adds a tangy twist you didn’t know you needed. Paired with bowtie pasta, this recipe is as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is silky with just the right amount of cheese and cream, coating every bowtie perfectly.
- Juicy Steak: Using sirloin or ribeye, the steak adds a hearty and tender protein component that complements the pasta beautifully.
- Bright Balsamic Glaze: The drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Your Shopping Guide
- Bowtie Pasta (8 oz): Look for good-quality dried pasta or fresh if available.
- Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (1 lb): Choose a fresh cut with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Extra virgin olive oil works best for sautéing.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): This creates the creamy base for the Alfredo sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture.
- Balsamic Glaze (1/4 cup): Available in most grocery stores or you can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar.
- Fresh Spinach (2 cups): Baby spinach is tender and cooks quickly.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Freshly minced for aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the steak and pasta.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large Pot: For boiling the bowtie pasta.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: To cook the steak and make the Alfredo sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce and pasta.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the steak and mince garlic.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Colander: To drain the pasta once cooked.
Balsamic Glaze Steak Alfredo Bowties — Do This Next
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Steak
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb of sliced sirloin or ribeye steak generously with salt and pepper. Add the steak slices to the hot pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until your preferred doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside, keeping the juices in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet with the steak drippings, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Steak, and Sauce
Add the drained bowtie pasta and cooked steak back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce and the steak and spinach are well distributed.
Step 6: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze and Serve
Transfer the pasta and steak mixture to plates or a serving dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze over the top for a beautiful and flavorful finish. Enjoy immediately!
Adaptations for Special Diets
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Low-Carb: Swap bowtie pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Vegetarian: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meaty texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta to maintain texture without gluten.
Mistakes That Ruin Balsamic Glaze Steak Alfredo Bowties
- Overcooking the Steak: Steak should be tender and juicy; overcooked steak becomes tough and chewy.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can become bitter if burnt. Sauté just until fragrant.
- Sauce Too Thick or Too Thin: Add cream gradually and stir constantly to get the right consistency. If too thick, thin with a splash of pasta water.
- Not Reserving Pasta Water: A little pasta water can help loosen the sauce and help it cling better to pasta.
- Adding Balsamic Glaze Too Early: The glaze should be drizzled on just before serving to maintain its sweet tangy flavor and glossy look.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the sauce to separate. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but still delicious the next day.
Quick Q&A
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Sirloin and ribeye are great choices for tenderness and flavor, but flank steak or strip steak can also work well if sliced thinly against the grain.
How do I make my own balsamic glaze?
Simply simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar over medium heat until reduced by half and thickened to a syrupy consistency. Let it cool before using.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the steak and pasta in advance and combine them with the sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and tasty.
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure each bite is tender and easy to chew.
What to Make After This
- Try the Pumpkin Sage Alfredo With Sausage for a cozy fall-inspired pasta twist.
- For another flavorful steak option, check out Balsamic Peach Steak Kebabs that combine sweet and savory beautifully.
- Whip up a fresh Caesar salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Pair with garlic bread for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
The Takeaway
Balsamic Glaze Steak Alfredo Bowties is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, tender, and tangy elements into one satisfying plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress. The balsamic glaze adds a unique flavor that elevates the classic Alfredo steak pasta to a new level. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations or pair it with complementary sides for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite of this luscious, flavorful dinner!
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Balsamic Glaze Steak Alfredo Bowties
Ingredients
- 8 oz Bowtie Pasta dried or fresh
- 1 lb Sirloin or Ribeye Steak sliced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 0.25 cup Balsamic Glaze
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach baby spinach
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb of sliced sirloin or ribeye steak generously with salt and pepper. Add the steak slices to the hot pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until your preferred doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside, keeping the juices in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet with the steak drippings, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained bowtie pasta and cooked steak back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce and the steak and spinach are well distributed.
- Transfer the pasta and steak mixture to plates or a serving dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze over the top for a beautiful and flavorful finish. Enjoy immediately!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Silicone spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
Notes
- Slice steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- To avoid burning garlic, sauté only until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Adjust the Alfredo sauce consistency by adding pasta water if too thick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with added cream.
- For dairy-free or low-carb options, substitute ingredients as suggested in adaptations.