Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish combining tender bowtie pasta with a rich, cheesy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce and savory ground beef. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect comforting meal with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the 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 and then drain the pasta. Set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the beef until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Melt Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it melts and softens completely.
- Create the Alfredo Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half into the skillet to form a creamy base. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Thicken and Season the Sauce: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties hot. Optionally garnish with extra grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water helps in smoothing the sauce and getting the perfect consistency.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
