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

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.

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.

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.

Step 4: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 5: Mix in grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.

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.

Step 7: Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before cooking to help it melt more smoothly into the sauce.

Reserve pasta water carefully; adding it to the sauce helps emulsify and loosen it if it becomes too thick.

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well works. Penne or rigatoni are great alternatives to bowtie pasta.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.