Craving a pasta dish that hits every note—rich, spicy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying? This Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is your new go-to indulgence. It combines the bold kick of Cajun seasoning with a luscious sauce made from a trio of cheeses, all tangled up with hearty spaghetti and juicy ground beef. It’s comfort food with flair, perfect for weeknights that deserve something extra.

What makes this dish special is how it layers flavors. The browned beef adds depth, the Cajun spices wake up your palate, and the creamy cheese sauce smooths everything into a velvety finish. This recipe isn’t just about filling your belly—it’s about flavor that lingers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the best results with your Cajun Beef Spaghetti, having the right tools is crucial:

Large Sauté Pan or Skillet: Needed to brown the beef and build the sauce in one place, helping all flavors meld together.
Heavy-Duty Pot: For boiling spaghetti; deep pots help the pasta cook evenly.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: These are gentle on your cookware and ideal for stirring the thick cheese sauce.
Fine Grater or Microplane: Essential for grating Parmesan and other cheeses fresh—which makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision helps balance the spices, especially when working with Cajun seasoning, which can be intense.

Ingredients for the Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

Ground Beef (85/15): A flavorful foundation with just enough fat for richness.
Spaghetti: The classic choice to hold the hearty sauce, perfectly coated in every twirl.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth.
Garlic Cloves: Essential for bold, savory undertones.
Cajun Seasoning: The heart of this recipe—smoky, spicy, and vibrant.
Heavy Cream: The creamy base that carries the cheese flavors.
Cream Cheese: Brings tang and extra thickness to the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy, adding gooey satisfaction.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Nutty, salty sharpness that finishes the sauce beautifully.
Salt & Black Pepper: For balancing and enhancing all other flavors.
Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and beef.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness.

How To Make the Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese to the beef mixture, letting it melt into the meat. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly. Mix well to coat every strand.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

How to Serve and Store Your Cajun Beef Spaghetti

When it comes to serving, this Cajun Beef Spaghetti is rich and bold enough to stand on its own—but if you want to elevate the meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or a slice of garlic bread. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for that restaurant-style presentation.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life without drying it out. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month, though the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Cajun seasoning works best?

A store-bought Cajun seasoning works fine, but if you make your own, you can better control the salt and heat levels. Look for a blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. While spaghetti is classic, penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work just as well. Use what you have on hand!

Is this dish very spicy?

It can be, depending on your Cajun seasoning. To reduce the heat, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage are great alternatives if you’re looking to mix it up.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can! Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles.

How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

Keep the heat low and stir continuously while adding the cheeses. Adding them too quickly or at high heat can cause the sauce to separate.

Want More Cajun Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love bold Cajun flavors with a creamy twist, there are several other dishes worth bookmarking. Try the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli for a chicken-based alternative that’s just as rich and satisfying. Or, if you prefer a smoky, BBQ-influenced taste, the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta is a must-try.

The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta offers a slightly lighter take while still keeping the spice alive. Want more beef? Dive into the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce—it’s a cousin to today’s recipe, with a garlicky bite.

Looking for a more rustic approach? The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is hearty and perfect for casual dinners. And if you’re exploring more beef-focused options, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti brings another cheesy, comfort-packed twist.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this Cajun Beef Spaghetti to your dinner board for easy access later—just click the Pin button!

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you tweak the heat? Add your own spin on the cheese combo? Leave a comment below and share your version.

For more daily recipes and inspiration, follow along on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is a bold, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish layered with spiced ground beef, aromatic onions, and a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It’s weeknight comfort food with a kick of Cajun heat and cheesy indulgence.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. In a separate pot, cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

4. Lower the heat under the beef. Stir in cream cheese and let it melt completely. Add heavy cream and mix until smooth.

5. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce.

6. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Mix to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for smoother sauce and better flavor.

Start with less Cajun seasoning if you’re spice-sensitive, then build up.

Reserve some pasta water—it’s a great trick to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 640
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Cajun pasta, cheesy spaghetti, beef pasta, creamy sauce