Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful twist on classic pasta dishes. Creamy, spicy, and satisfying, it combines tender bowtie pasta with a rich, seasoned sauce and hearty ground beef. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add cream cheese and stir until softened.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Step 5: Mix in grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Step 6: Return cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
7. Step 7: Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add chopped bell peppers or onions when cooking the beef for extra flavor and texture.
• Use fresh parsley or green onions as garnish to add a burst of color and freshness.
• If you like it spicier, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add extra red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular bowtie pasta with a gluten-free variety. The dish will taste just as delicious.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different creamy texture and flavor.

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with a spicy Cajun twist. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed with a luscious cream cheese and Parmesan sauce, perfectly balanced with spiced ground beef seasoned with Cajun spices, garlic, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this dish brings together comforting creaminess and bold Southern flavors in one hearty meal.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Spiced 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)
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cream Cheese Alfredo Sauce

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the beef until it is browned and slightly crispy, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Butter: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make Cream Cheese Base: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it begins to soften and melt into the garlic and butter mixture.
5. Add Milk and Parmesan: Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps. Then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Combine Beef and Pasta with Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir it into the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Serve: Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat.

Notes

• If you prefer a lighter sauce, use milk instead of half-and-half.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level.
• Reserve pasta water helps to thin the sauce and make it cling better to the pasta.
• For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream cheese and Parmesan with plant-based versions.
• Fresh parsley or chives make excellent garnish choices to add color and freshness.

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy Alfredo, bowtie pasta recipe, spiced ground beef, easy dinner, Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, comfort food