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Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 594 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/cajun-cream-cheese-alfredo-bowties-with-spiced-ground-beef-recipe/