Name: Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta; ½ lb ground beef; ½ lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste); ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; Salt and black pepper, to taste

This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of those dishes I crave when I want something rich, comforting, and full of bold flavor. It started as a weeknight experiment when I wanted to use up some ground beef and Italian sausage in my fridge. I tossed them with pasta, added Cajun seasoning and a splash of cream, and before I knew it, I had something deeply satisfying on my plate. The kind of dinner that makes you pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.”

What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. The bowtie pasta soaks up all that creamy garlic sauce, and the combination of spicy sausage and seasoned beef gives it serious depth. Add in the fresh pop of spinach and a sprinkle of cheese, and you’ve got a meal that checks every box—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and comforting. It’s quickly become a go-to dish for both busy weeknights and casual dinner guests.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta

This pasta has the perfect balance of spice and richness, thanks to the Cajun seasoning and creamy garlic sauce. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your biggest hunger, and it’s packed with protein and flavor from two kinds of meat. Plus, it comes together in under an hour and tastes like something you’d get from a cozy bistro. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want amazing leftovers, this one’s a keeper.

What Type of Sausage Works Best in Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta?

You have a few good options when it comes to sausage in this recipe, and each brings something a little different to the flavor party. I usually go for spicy Italian sausage because it adds a smoky, peppery kick that blends beautifully with the Cajun seasoning. If you’re more into subtle spice, mild Italian sausage or even andouille sausage is fantastic—it offers that classic Louisiana-style heat and texture.

The sausage really defines the dish’s background flavor, so don’t be afraid to play around based on your spice tolerance. Just make sure to remove the casings if you’re using links, and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just using what’s already in your fridge, this recipe is super adaptable:

Pasta: If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini will catch the sauce just as well.
Beef & Sausage: Ground turkey or chicken can replace either meat. For a vegetarian version, use meatless crumbles or extra mushrooms for texture.
Heavy Cream: Half and half or whole milk with a pat of butter can work in a pinch. Or try unsweetened coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a perfect melt, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add extra flavor.
Spinach: Kale or arugula can stand in nicely if that’s what you’ve got.

Don’t be afraid to tweak it. The creamy Cajun base is so flavorful that it’ll carry just about any combo you throw in.

Ingredients for Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role in building the layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what makes this pasta so irresistibly good:

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The shape holds onto the sauce beautifully and gives a fun texture to every bite.
Ground Beef: Adds a hearty, savory base and soaks up the Cajun spices for deep flavor.
Italian Sausage (Spicy or Mild): Brings extra richness and a punch of seasoning, enhancing the overall depth.
Fresh Garlic: Essential for that warm, garlicky backbone in the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture.
Chicken Broth: Balances out the richness and adds a savory depth to the sauce.
Cajun Seasoning: The key spice blend that delivers heat, smokiness, and complexity.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great if you want an extra layer of heat.
Bell Pepper (Red or Yellow): Adds sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color.
Fresh Spinach: Wilts perfectly into the dish, giving a vibrant, fresh contrast.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the pasta for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing the meats and veggies—adds flavor right from the start.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, rounding out all the bold spices.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sausage (remove casing if needed). Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, transfer the meat to a plate and drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and sauté the chopped garlic and diced bell pepper for 2–3 minutes, just until the peppers start to soften and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful bits. Then add the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 5–6 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked beef and sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss to combine everything well in the sauce. If it’s looking too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Cheese

Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the hot pasta. Once wilted, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover for a minute to let the cheese melt, then stir gently to combine.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

Taste the pasta and season with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish.

How Long to Cook Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

The total time to make this dish is just around 35 to 40 minutes. Here’s how it breaks down:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (chopping, gathering ingredients)
Pasta Cooking Time: 10 minutes (can be done while prepping the sauce)
Sauce + Meat + Combining Everything: 15–20 minutes

It’s a quick and satisfying option for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: You want it al dente so it holds its shape and texture after being mixed with the sauce.
Brown the Meat Well: Let the sausage and beef develop a little crust before stirring—it deepens the flavor.
Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a noticeable difference in a creamy sauce like this.
Taste as You Go: Cajun seasoning varies from brand to brand, so adjust heat and salt to your preference.
Reserve Pasta Water: A few tablespoons can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick after combining.
Melt Cheese Gently: Add the mozzarella at the end and let it melt gently into the pasta—this keeps it gooey, not stringy.
Finish with Freshness: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten up all the richness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a forgiving pasta dish like this, a few missteps can throw off the balance. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Pasta: It will keep cooking in the sauce, so stop just before fully al dente.
Using Too Much Cajun Seasoning Too Soon: Some blends are saltier or spicier than others. Start small and build up to your taste.
Skipping the Sauté Step: Don’t rush the garlic and pepper—this is where the flavor really builds.
Letting the Sauce Boil: Keep it at a gentle simmer. Boiling cream can cause it to separate or curdle.
Adding Spinach Too Early: It wilts fast—add it right at the end to keep some texture and color.
Forgetting to Drain Fat from the Meat: Too much grease can make the sauce feel heavy and overly rich.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta?

This pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out or impress guests, here are a few tasty ideas:

Garlic Bread

Classic, crunchy, and perfect for scooping up every last drop of creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with vinaigrette offers freshness to balance the richness of the pasta.

Cajun Roasted Corn

Carry the spice theme through with oven-roasted corn tossed in butter, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

A great way to add greens and texture without much extra work.

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Light and cheesy, these slices bake up golden and pair beautifully with creamy pasta.

Lemon-Herb Shrimp

A bright, citrusy shrimp dish makes an excellent protein-packed side if you’re feeding a crowd.

A Glass of Dry White Wine

Something like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the richness of the garlic cream sauce.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta reheat beautifully and make a flavorful lunch the next day. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This pasta can be frozen, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. For best results, freeze in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir well to bring it back to its creamy glory.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

These numbers are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used:

Calories: 610
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Serving Size: About 1.5 cups

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this pasta?

It has a moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning and sausage, but it’s easy to adjust. Use mild sausage or reduce the Cajun spice if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make it without meat?

Absolutely! You can swap in mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based crumbles to keep it hearty without the meat.

Is there a dairy-free version of the sauce?

Yes! Use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. Make sure your cheese substitute melts well too.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Totally. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are great alternatives that hold the sauce just as well.

Will this taste okay if I leave out the spinach?

Of course. Spinach adds freshness, but the dish is still delicious without it. You can also use kale or arugula.

How can I make this more cheesy?

Add extra mozzarella or stir in some parmesan or cream cheese to boost the cheesy factor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything except the pasta and spinach, then refrigerate. When ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh, heat the sauce, and mix it all together.

I love using a low-sodium blend so I can control the salt. Slap Ya Mama or Tony Chachere’s are popular choices, but homemade is great too.

Conclusion

Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is comfort food with attitude. The layers of flavor—from smoky sausage and seasoned beef to the creamy, garlicky Cajun sauce—come together in one bold, irresistible dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or just craving something cozy and rich, this recipe is the kind that delivers every single time. It’s quick, flexible, and full of heart (and heat). I can’t wait for you to make it your own.