Description

Craving a bold, creamy, and satisfying dinner idea? This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream hits every note—comforting, spicy, cheesy, and rich with flavor. With al dente bowtie pasta coated in a silky garlic cream sauce and topped with smoky Cajun-spiced beef, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Whether you’re exploring easy dinner recipes, need new pasta food ideas, or want a quick weeknight comfort meal, this dish delivers every time.

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons butter

1½ cups heavy cream

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir Cajun seasoning into the beef and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Set aside.

4. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and reduce heat to low.

6. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the cream. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Mix well to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Plate the pasta and top with the Cajun beef, or mix everything together.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese often clumps.

Don’t skip salting the pasta water—it infuses flavor directly into the pasta itself.

Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your heat tolerance. Start small and build up to your liking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: cheesy pasta, Cajun ground beef, quick dinner, comfort food, pasta recipe, easy dinner ideas