Dinner

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

ByMaya bella January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

Introduction

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful twist on classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with a spicy kick, it’s an easy weeknight meal that impresses with bold Southern-inspired flavors.

This image shows a close-up view of a dish in a black pan filled with three layers: the bottom layer is bowtie pasta with a smooth yellow-orange cheese sauce that coats each piece; the middle layer consists of browned ground meat mixed evenly with the pasta; the top layer has a light sprinkle of shredded cheese melted into the pasta and small green chopped herbs scattered across for color contrast. The texture looks creamy and rich with visible bits of meat and herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: 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 the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it softens completely.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half to create a creamy sauce base, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce becomes too thick.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use half-and-half instead of milk for an even richer sauce.
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the level of spice.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a deep dish filled with cooked farfalle pasta layered with chunks of browned ground meat spread evenly throughout. A generous layer of melted yellow and white cheese covers the pasta and meat, with flecks of green herbs sprinkled on top. The pasta is coated in a light sauce giving it a shiny, moist look, and small red pepper flakes are scattered across the dish for spice. The dish is placed against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, this sauce works well with other pasta types like penne, rotini, or rigatoni if bowtie pasta isn’t available.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level depends on how much Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes you add. Start with less if you prefer mild flavors and increase according to your taste.