Name: Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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)

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Introduction

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together creamy, cheesy sauce with bold Cajun seasoning. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, delivering comfort food with a spicy twist.

The image shows a close-up of a pasta dish with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a light yellow bowtie pasta that looks soft and well-cooked. On top of the pasta, there is a thick layer of crumbled brown ground meat, which is mixed evenly throughout. The top layer is a melted creamy cheese sauce with small, uneven white patches, spreading across the meat and pasta. Bright green chopped herbs are lightly sprinkled over everything, adding a touch of color. The dish is served in a white bowl, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the creamy sauce consistency.
Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or sausage for a different protein option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the pasta from drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a creamy pasta dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the base layer is cooked pasta shaped like small bows in a light yellow color. The middle layer is browned ground meat scattered evenly throughout. The top layer is creamy cheese melted over the pasta and meat, with some fresh green parsley sprinkled on top. The textures show the softness of the pasta mixed with the crumbled meat and gooey cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while bowtie pasta works best to hold the sauce, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or farfalle for a similar texture and appearance.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based protein instead. Adjust seasoning accordingly.