Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

recipe image of realistic top down mise en place shot showing fresh ingredients bowtie pasta ground beef cream cheese milk heavy cream Parmesan cheese Cajun seasoning butter garlic salt pepper red pepper flakes onions green peppers parsley arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight

katya bou

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

A comforting, creamy pasta dish that fuses the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the silky texture of Alfredo sauce made with cream cheese, all tossed with spiced ground beef and bowtie pasta for a quick weeknight meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

12 oz Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)

Beef and Spice Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef 90/10 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio
2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning divided (half for beef, half for sauce)

Sauce Ingredients

8 oz Cream Cheese full fat, softened
1 cup Milk or Heavy Cream heavy cream for richer sauce
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
2 tbsp Butter
3 cloves Garlic minced
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for extra heat

Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet,
- Whisk

Method

Fill a large pot with water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and crispy at edges, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Push the beef to one side or remove temporarily. Melt the butter in the skillet, add minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning.
Lower heat to medium. Add softened cream cheese and milk or heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and glossy, breaking down any lumps.
Stir in remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. If too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency. Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with sauce and beef. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 25g

Notes

This dish is budget-friendly and customizable; substitute ground turkey for beef or add veggies like spinach for nutrition. Reheat on stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Avoid freezing as it can make the sauce grainy. Stores in fridge for 3-4 days. Heat level adjustable by Cajun seasoning choice. Pairs well with green salad or garlic bread.

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