Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful twist on classic pasta dishes. Combining creamy, cheesy sauce with a spicy kick from Cajun seasoning, this meal is both comforting and exciting for your taste buds.

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

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before cooking for easier melting and smoother sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
• For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni will work well with this creamy sauce and spiced beef.

How spicy is this dish?

The Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes give it a moderate kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level.

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 127 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and creamy Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo pasta featuring bowtie noodles tossed with spiced ground beef and a rich, cheesy sauce enhanced by Cajun seasoning and garlic. This dish combines hearty protein and comforting textures for a satisfying dinner option.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta

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
• 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)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: 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. Cook 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 beef from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and melt cream cheese: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cream cheese and stir until softened and smooth.
4. Create creamy sauce base: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to form a creamy sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Add cheese and seasoning: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Combine beef and pasta: Return the cooked spiced ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.
7. Serve: Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
• Don’t skip reserving the pasta water as it helps emulsify and loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor in the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun pasta, Cream cheese alfredo, Ground beef pasta, Bowtie pasta recipe, Cajun seasoning pasta, Easy dinner recipe