Description
This indulgent creamy Cajun beef and rotini recipe combines tender ground beef with a rich, spicy cream sauce, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish ideal for cozy nights, with a delightful blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creating an irresistible creamy texture and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 12 ounces Rotini Pasta (can substitute with penne or bowtie)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (Red & Green, diced)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and red and green bell peppers, sautéing until softened and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Seasoning and Cream: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the beef and vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the flavor.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired. Heat through for an additional 2 minutes, then serve hot in shallow bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if liked.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Use lean ground beef for less grease and a healthier dish.
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid separating the cream sauce.