Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a rich and flavorful twist on classic Alfredo with this Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe. Combining spiced ground beef and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s both quick and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 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

1. Step 1: 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 pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add cream cheese and stir until softened and creamy.
5. Step 5: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and create a smooth sauce base.
6. Step 6: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before cooking for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
• Reserve some pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce if it thickens too much.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and authentic flavor.
• For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Add a handful of spinach or chopped bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese, milk alternatives, and a vegan Parmesan substitute, though the flavor and creaminess may differ slightly.

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef recipe is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender bowtie pasta, rich cream cheese Alfredo sauce with a spicy Cajun twist, and savory browned ground beef. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers bold flavors with a smooth, cheesy texture and a hint of heat.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American/Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 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
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (remaining)
• 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make Cream Cheese Base: Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until softened and creamy, ensuring it melts into the butter and garlic.
5. Add Milk and Cheese: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Mix in grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick to achieve a smooth consistency.
7. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier melting and smoother sauce.
• Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps emulsify and loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor depth.

Keywords: Cajun Alfredo pasta, cream cheese pasta, ground beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, creamy Cajun pasta, dinner recipes, stovetop pasta dish