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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create creamy sauce base: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to form a creamy sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
