Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

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Craving a pasta dish that punches up comfort with a fiery twist? This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef recipe brings bold Southern spice to creamy Alfredo in the most satisfying way. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without requiring an entire evening in the kitchen.

Tender bowtie pasta clings to a luscious cream cheese Alfredo sauce, balanced by the hearty kick of Cajun-seasoned ground beef. This skillet meal is layered with warmth, creaminess, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning an easy dinner for two with leftovers, this dish delivers on both flavor and comfort.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef, you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to keep things flowing smoothly. Start by gathering these key tools:

  • Large Skillet or Saute Pan: Essential for browning the beef and combining the sauce with the pasta. A deep, wide pan gives you room to stir and blend.
  • Pot for Boiling Pasta: Any medium-sized pot will do the job, but make sure it has enough room for the bowties to move around and cook evenly.
  • Colander: Draining the pasta properly ensures the sauce clings to the noodles instead of sliding off.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for breaking up the beef and stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
  • Grater (optional): If you prefer fresh Parmesan over pre-shredded, this tool makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.

Having these tools at arm’s reach helps streamline the process, ensuring your pasta comes out creamy, hot, and loaded with flavor.


Ingredients for the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Each component in this recipe adds a layer of richness or heat that builds the flavor profile:

  • Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): These whimsical pasta shapes have ridges and folds that hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Ground Beef: A hearty base seasoned with Cajun spices for savory depth and a kick of heat.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess to the Alfredo sauce, giving it body and tang.
  • Heavy Cream: Balances the richness while making the sauce silky and smooth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A salty, umami-packed finish that ties the sauce together.
  • Cajun Seasoning: The key flavor boost. Smoky, spicy, and essential for that Southern flair.
  • Garlic (Minced): Aromatic foundation that enhances both meat and sauce.
  • Onion (Chopped): Provides a savory-sweet balance in the beef.
  • Butter: Helps build the base of the Alfredo and enhances flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Adjusts and balances the seasoning to your taste.
  • Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds color and a hint of herbal freshness.
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How To Make the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Flavor

In a large skillet, melt a bit of butter and cook the chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Once the beef is cooked, reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt into the beef mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Taste

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Toss in the Pasta

Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet. Gently toss until all the noodles are coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan if you like. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.


How to Serve and Store Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

This pasta dish is best served hot, right after tossing the noodles in that rich Alfredo sauce. A light sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan on top goes a long way. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal.

If you’re storing leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creaminess.

This recipe also freezes surprisingly well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat low and slow for best results.


Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Some blends are milder, while others pack serious heat. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking.

Can I use another protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well here. Just keep the seasoning bold.

What’s the best cream cheese for Alfredo sauce?

Full-fat cream cheese is best for richness and texture. Low-fat versions may break or thin out the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can swap heavy cream and cream cheese for dairy-free versions. Look for coconut cream or cashew-based products for a similar richness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the bowtie pasta with a gluten-free version. The sauce is naturally gluten-free.


Want More Creamy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a similar dish with a classic beefy twist. Or if you’re looking for variety in shape and flavor, the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni brings a hearty spin with bold garlic notes and silky Alfredo.

For a cozy evening meal, try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, which leans into the same Cajun flavor family with a chicken-forward base. The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe also offers a bold kick wrapped in creamy layers.

Don’t miss the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for another cream cheese-based pasta bake that bakes to golden perfection.


Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner ideas board for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you go heavy on the Cajun spice? Did you add extra cheese? Leave a comment below. I’m always excited to see your spin on my recipes.

For more creamy pasta dinner recipes like this, follow along on my Pinterest – LadyPlate.


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Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef


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

Description

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a fiery, creamy pasta dish that brings Southern flair to your weeknight dinners. Perfectly cooked bowtie pasta is tossed in a luxurious Alfredo sauce made from cream cheese and heavy cream, then layered with boldly seasoned ground beef. It’s comforting, spicy, and packed with flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

1 lb ground beef

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)


Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent.

3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted into the beef.

6. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until smooth.

7. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning.

8. Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest result.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste if you prefer less heat.

Add a splash of pasta water or milk when reheating to refresh the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 540
  • Fat: 36
  • Saturated Fat: 18
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16
  • Trans Fat: 0.5
  • Carbohydrates: 42
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 120

Keywords: Cajun Alfredo pasta, creamy ground beef pasta, spicy pasta recipe

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