Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a decadent and flavorful twist on classic pasta. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, it’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add cream cheese and stir until softened.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Step 5: Mix in grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Step 6: Return cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
7. Step 7: Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
• Add chopped bell peppers or onions with the garlic for extra flavor and texture.
• Use turkey or chicken ground meat for a leaner option.
• If you prefer milder spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit the red pepper flakes.
• Spoon in reserved pasta water gradually to reach your preferred sauce consistency.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, stirring often to maintain creaminess. Avoid reheating in high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cooked beef in advance and refrigerate separately. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a simple substitute by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Adjust the amounts to match your preferred spice level.

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 692 reviews

A rich and flavorful Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef, combining tender bowtie pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce seasoned with Cajun spices and perfectly browned ground beef for a comforting and spicy weeknight meal.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun, American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter

Sauce

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cream cheese and stir until softened.
4. Add Liquid to Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base. Stir continuously to avoid lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Combine Beef and Pasta with Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, add additional red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning to taste.
• Use half-and-half for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter option.
• Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: Cajun pasta, Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, spiced ground beef, bowtie pasta recipe