Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender bowtie noodles with a creamy, spicy Alfredo sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef. The Cajun spices add a delightful kick, balanced by smooth cream cheese and Parmesan, making it an indulgent yet easy-to-make comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Cajun influences
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Salt (for pasta water, as needed)
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 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
- Cook 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 pasta aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned and slightly crispy. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create Creamy Base: Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until softened. Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half to form a smooth and creamy sauce, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens. Taste and adjust salt and spices if needed.
- Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water in small amounts if the sauce is too thick, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat if desired.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Optional garnishes like parsley and extra Parmesan enhance presentation and flavor.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
Keywords: Cajun pasta, Alfredo sauce, ground beef recipe, creamy pasta, bowtie pasta, Cajun seasoning, easy dinner, comfort food
