Description
Indulge in a rich and creamy Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with spiced ground beef. This flavorful pasta dish combines tender bowtie noodles, savory Cajun-seasoned beef, and a luscious cream cheese Alfredo sauce enhanced with Parmesan and fresh garlic. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances hearty spices with creamy textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (feel free to swap for penne or rigatoni)
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef (substitute with sausage for extra spice)
Sauce
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (for lighter options, try half-and-half)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (use half-and-half if preferred)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (using freshly grated gives the best taste)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (sauté briefly to keep its vibrant flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (adds freshness and color)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown it for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Halfway through cooking, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning to evenly coat the meat and intensify the flavors.
- Sauté Garlic and Create Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly, forming a rich Alfredo sauce.
- Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce: Return the browned beef to the skillet, folding it into the creamy sauce. Add the drained bowtie pasta and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce and beef mixture. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Substitute ground beef with spicy sausage for a more intense flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amounts based on your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor compared to pre-grated options.