Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe combines tender bowtie pasta with spiced ground beef and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and soft.
- Step 4: Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if desired.
- Step 6: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix to coat in the sauce.
- Step 7: Add the drained pasta and gently fold everything together until coated. Warm through.
- Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Adding a splash of white wine when melting the cream cheese can add a subtle depth to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce needs loosening.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any medium to large pasta shape like penne, rotini, or rigatoni will work well to hold the sauce and beef.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
It can be frozen, but cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, freeze the beef and pasta separately from the sauce, then combine after reheating.
PrintCajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe
A flavorful and creamy Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe featuring perfectly cooked bowtie pasta tossed in a rich cream cheese and Parmesan sauce, combined with spiced ground beef seasoned with authentic Cajun spices. This one-pan skillet meal is quick, indulgent, and perfect for a comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
Spiced Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Once cooked through, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until fully melted and creamy.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir constantly, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if desired.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked spiced ground beef to the skillet and mix well to coat the meat thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta into the skillet, gently folding everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning to the sauce.
- You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne or rotini if preferred.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving as Cajun seasoning blends vary in salt and spice intensity.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Cajun Alfredo, Cream Cheese Sauce, Bowtie Pasta, Spiced Ground Beef, Cajun Pasta Recipe, One-Pan Dinner, Comfort Food
