Description
Looking for a quick dinner with bold flavor and creamy comfort? This *Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef* recipe is your next go-to meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something indulgent but easy, this dish blends spicy Cajun flair with a velvety cream cheese Alfredo sauce, tossed with tender bowtie pasta and savory seasoned beef. A true winner for fans of hearty comfort food, easy recipes, dinner ideas, and next-level pasta dishes. Whether you’re into bold spices or need fast weeknight food ideas, this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (divided, or to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned and crispy at the edges. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Whisk continuously until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Let it melt and thicken slightly.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Fold the browned beef back into the skillet and toss to combine everything.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Cream cheese should be at room temperature for the smoothest sauce.
Use fresh Parmesan instead of pre-grated for a creamier, melt-in texture.
Don’t forget to save pasta water—it helps adjust the sauce if it gets too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 6)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, Cajun pasta, Alfredo with ground beef, dinner ideas, creamy pasta, spicy pasta