Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the spicy ground beef and tender bowtie pasta, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the Cajun seasoning and stir well to combine. Cook until beef is fully browned and cooked through, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese and milk or heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and spiced ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Step 7: Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
- Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Combine and reheat just before serving for best results.
What can I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can create your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to mimic Cajun flavors.
PrintCajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful one-pan pasta dish combining tender bowtie pasta with a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce infused with Cajun spices and hearty ground beef. The rich cream cheese and Parmesan blend perfectly with the aromatic garlic and buttery sauce, delivering comforting southern-inspired flavors in a quick and easy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional Cajun seasoning, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the spiced ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef then season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning along with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the garlic and make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low then stir in the cream cheese until it begins to melt. Gradually whisk in the milk or heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Continue stirring over low heat until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss pasta and beef with sauce: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and meat with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Serve hot: Plate the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter option.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Parmesan cheese freshness greatly enhances the flavor; freshly grated is best.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Cajun pasta, cream cheese Alfredo, bowtie pasta recipe, spiced ground beef pasta, easy Cajun dinner
