Description

Turn up the heat on pasta night with this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce. It’s a bold and satisfying blend of spicy ground beef, Cajun seasonings, and a velvety sauce made from Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar. This easy dinner idea brings comfort food to a whole new level, perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. If you’re searching for quick dinner recipes, easy pasta meals, or food ideas with a kick, this one-pot creamy Cajun pasta is about to become your new favorite. A perfect option for anyone craving a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed experience.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb ground beef

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella

¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional:

1 small red bell pepper, diced

¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

½ teaspoon grated lemon zest

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

4. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Gradually stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar until melted and smooth. Add pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.

6. Toss in cooked spaghetti and combine well with the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

7. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.

8. Serve hot and enjoy the bold Cajun flavors and creamy cheese bliss.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce—pre-shredded cheese can cause clumping.

Always taste your Cajun seasoning blend before adding—it can vary significantly in salt and spice.

Save your pasta water—it helps adjust sauce consistency and improves texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1½ cups
Calories: 620
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: creamy Cajun pasta, beef spaghetti, one pot dinner, easy pasta, dinner ideas, spicy pasta, cheesy spaghetti