Description
This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a must-try if you’re craving bold flavors and comfort in one bowl. With tender bowtie pasta coated in a rich, creamy garlic and Cajun-spiced sauce, savory ground beef, spicy sausage, and fresh spinach, it’s the kind of quick dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, creamy pasta recipes, or a hearty food idea that satisfies, this easy recipe checks every box.
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
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook ground beef and sausage until browned. Remove from skillet and drain excess fat.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then stir in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Return the cooked meat and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, cover for 1–2 minutes until melted, then stir gently.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta—remember it will continue to soften once it’s in the sauce.
If using store-bought Cajun seasoning, start with less and build up—some are saltier than others.
This dish reheats beautifully with just a splash of broth or milk to bring the creaminess back.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, cajun pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, sausage pasta, beef pasta, comfort food