Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a rich and flavorful twist on classic pasta. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together quickly for any weeknight.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and soft.
4. Step 4: Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if desired.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix to coat in the sauce.
7. Step 7: Add the drained pasta and gently fold everything together until coated. Warm through.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if preferred.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the beef in advance, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a simple blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to mimic Cajun flavor.

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender bowtie pasta with a creamy, spicy Alfredo sauce and savory Cajun-seasoned ground beef. The creamy sauce, made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan, complements the smoky, well-seasoned beef, creating a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie pasta

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

Garnish (optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
2. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned through, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Once cooked, remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Melt Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts and combines smoothly with the aromatics.
5. Finish Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring steadily as the mixture thickens slightly. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper to your preference.
6. Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
7. Toss Pasta: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and gently fold the pasta into the sauce and beef, ensuring everything is evenly coated and warmed through.
8. Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning according to taste.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent curdling of the sauce.
• For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular bowtie pasta.

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy Alfredo, bowtie pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, spicy cream cheese sauce