Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a bold, comforting, and creamy pasta dinner. Perfect for weeknights or casual hosting, this dish combines spicy ground beef, Cajun-seasoned cream cheese Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Cajun
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- 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 pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 1 tbsp 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 minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add cream cheese and stir until softened.
- Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- 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 sauce is too thick.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier melting.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.