Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a bold and creamy dish featuring tender bowtie pasta tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce infused with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Spiced ground beef seasoned with vibrant Cajun spices adds a savory, smoky kick, while garlic and onions build a flavorful sauce base. Finished with fresh parsley, this comforting skillet meal is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink. Season with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This creates the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts smoothly into the onions and garlic. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the sauce is rich and flavorful.
- Combine and Finish: Return the spiced ground beef to the skillet and mix well to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently fold everything together so the bowties are fully covered in sauce. Warm through on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve It Up: Spoon the creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta onto plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an optional extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce creaminess.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Cajun influences
Keywords: Cajun pasta, Cream cheese Alfredo, Bowtie pasta recipe, Spiced ground beef pasta, Creamy Cajun sauce
