Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a bold, creamy, and comforting pasta dish with Cajun-seasoned beef, rich cream cheese Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Quick, flavorful, and ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Cajun
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
- 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 according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, 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 optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet; sauté 30 seconds.
- Add cream cheese and stir until softened.
- Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base, stirring continuously.
- Mix in grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier melting.
- Reserving pasta water helps emulsify the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.