Creamy Dreamy Bowtie Alfredo

There are weeknight pastas… and then there’s this. Creamy Dreamy Bowtie Alfredo is the kind of dish that everyone loves —velvety sauce, tender mushrooms, perfectly seasoned proteins, and glossy ribbons of bowtie pasta that catch every swirl of cream. It’s decadent, quick, and irresistibly comforting. The kind of dinner that disappears before you even set down the serving spoon.

⭐ Ingredients (Serves 6)

Proteins

1 lb salmon, cut into 1½–2 inch pieces
1 lb chicken tenderloins, cut into chunks
½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Olive oil spray
Light seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder (optional—keep it minimal)

Pasta & Vegetables

1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
3 Tbsp butter
8 oz fresh brown mushrooms, sliced
1–2 tsp cornstarch

Alfredo Sauce

2 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Splash of pasta water (2–4 Tbsp)
1–2 tsp Organic Cowboy Butter Seasoning (Costco)
1 tsp Organic Garlic & Herb by Spice Islands (Costco)
Both contain salt—season lightly and taste as you go.

Finishing Touch

2 big handfuls fresh spinach (about 1–1½ cups packed)

🔥 Air-Fry the Proteins

Chicken

400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway
Cook until golden and fully cooked

Salmon

390°F for 6–8 minutes
Remove when just cooked so it stays tender

Shrimp

400°F for 5–6 minutes
They should curl and turn opaque

Set all proteins aside.

Make the Creamy Dreamy Alfredo

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

2. Build the Flavor Base

In a large Dutch oven:

Add 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat
Sauté minced garlic until fragrant
Add butter and let it melt
Toss in the mushrooms and cook until softened and slightly golden

Sprinkle 1–2 tsp cornstarch over the mushrooms and stir to coat.
This helps the sauce thicken perfectly.

3. Create the Alfredo Sauce

Turn heat to medium-low.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
Let it warm through for 2–3 minutes.

Add the freshly grated Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring continuously until melted and silky.

Add a splash of pasta water for extra silkiness.

Season with:

Organic Cowboy Butter seasoning (start with 1 tsp)
Organic Garlic & Herb seasoning (Spice Island brand) (start with ½–1 tsp)
—remember, both contain salt.

Taste and adjust as needed.

4. Add the Good Stuff

Stir in your air-fried chicken, salmon, and shrimp.

Add the spinach, letting it wilt into the sauce.

5. Combine

Fold in the al dente bowtie pasta until every piece is coated in that dreamy, glossy Alfredo.

Let it sit 2–3 minutes to thicken and marry together.

🌿 Tips for Success

Freshly grated Parmesan is non-negotiable. It melts smoother and won’t clump.
If sauce gets too thick, loosen with a bit more pasta water or cream.
If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Season slowly—your Costco blends already contain salt.

🍽️ Serving Idea

Top bowls with fresh Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Serve immediately—this dish shines hottest and creamiest right off the stove.