Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a rich and creamy pasta dish packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender beef, and a silky Parmesan Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add cream cheese and stir until softened and smooth.
- Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously.
- Add Parmesan cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Return beef to skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Half-and-half creates a richer sauce than milk.
- Reserve pasta water to easily adjust sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American