Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts and combines smoothly with the aromatics.
- 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.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
- 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.
- 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
