Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe combines tender bowtie pasta with spiced ground beef and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a flavorful twist on classic Alfredo with a touch of Cajun heat, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 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 reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. 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 the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously to form a creamy base without lumps.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Serve the pasta hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef for extra veggies.
• Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky Cajun flavor variation.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works well to hold the sauce and beef.

Is this dish spicy?

The Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the amount of seasoning or omit the flakes to suit your taste.

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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A flavorful and creamy Cajun-inspired pasta dish combining tender bowtie pasta with spiced ground beef and a rich cream cheese Alfredo sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Ground Beef

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

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
• 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 the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the spiced ground beef: 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, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the beef and set it aside.
3. Sauté the garlic: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the creamy sauce base: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Add Parmesan & seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
6. Combine beef and pasta with sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional heat.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
• Optional red pepper flakes add extra heat; adjust according to taste.
• Use half-and-half for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter option.
• For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese.
• Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth melting in the sauce.

Keywords: Cajun pasta, Cream cheese Alfredo, Ground beef pasta, Bowtie pasta recipe, Spicy pasta dish