Introduction

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy garlic sauce pairs beautifully with the spicy Cajun-seasoned beef and tender bowtie pasta.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12 ounces bowtie pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the beef and cook until no longer pink. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the dish hot for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the Cajun seasoning.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Mix in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to add more veggies and texture.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with many pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Cajun seasoning typically has a moderate level of spice, with a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs. You can adjust the amount or choose a mild seasoning to suit your heat preference.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is a comforting and flavorful dish combining perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with spicy Cajun-seasoned ground beef, all enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce. It’s an easy one-pan meal that balances bold spices with creamy textures, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Author: Tara
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

Pasta

12 ounces bowtie pasta

Beef and Seasoning

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over the beef and stir to combine. Transfer cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly.
Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Add Cheese and Season: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked Cajun ground beef to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it by adding a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and stir gently. Serve the cheesy bowtie pasta hot and enjoy.

Notes

To adjust spiciness, increase or decrease the amount of Cajun seasoning.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Adding a splash of pasta water helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without thinning the sauce too much.

Keywords: Cheesy Bowtie Pasta, Cajun Ground Beef, Garlic Cream Sauce, One-Pan Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner