Description
Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a bold and creamy pasta dish packed with flavor. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed in a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and seasoned ground beef for a comforting dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 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 bowtie pasta according to package directions. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season beef with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour in milk or half-and-half and remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir until combined.
- Add Parmesan cheese and mix until sauce is creamy and thickened. Use reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated. Serve warm, optionally topped with red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American