Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
A rich and flavorful Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe featuring tender bowtie pasta tossed in a creamy, spicy Alfredo sauce with spiced ground beef. This comforting dish combines creamy textures with a bold Cajun kick, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Spiced Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season it with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the beef until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce Base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts and softens fully.
- Add Milk to Cream Cheese: Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and add the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water in tablespoons if the sauce is too thick to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or an additional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning it excessively.
- Using half-and-half will create a richer sauce than milk, but both work well.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and Parmesan.
- This recipe can be garnished with fresh parsley or chives for added color and freshness.
Keywords: Cajun Alfredo, Cream Cheese Pasta, Bowtie Pasta Recipe, Ground Beef Pasta, Spicy Pasta Dish, Cajun Pasta Sauce
