Looking for a pasta dish that hits every comfort food note without being boring? Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream might be your new go-to. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor—the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel just a bit indulgent.

The buttery garlic cream hugs every fold of bowtie pasta, while spicy Cajun-seasoned beef adds that smoky, deep heat you crave. Finished with melty cheese and a sprinkling of herbs, this meal is beautifully balanced and extremely satisfying. You won’t need a side dish. Just a fork.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this flavorful pasta a breeze, having the right tools makes all the difference:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the Cajun beef evenly while developing rich flavor. Choose one with high sides to avoid splatter.
Medium Saucepan: Used for crafting the garlic cream sauce. A heavy-bottomed pan prevents scorching and ensures even heating.
Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: Gives bowtie pasta enough room to cook properly without sticking.
Colander: Drains the pasta quickly to avoid overcooking.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps to stir and fold ingredients gently while keeping textures intact.
Microplane or Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better and blends smoothly into the sauce.

With these tools on hand, your cooking process will be smoother and cleanup will be easier, letting the flavors take center stage.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Its ridges and folds catch the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
Ground Beef: The base of the savory layer, seasoned with Cajun spices for a smoky, spiced profile.
Heavy Cream: Builds a rich garlic cream sauce that coats the pasta luxuriously.
Garlic (Minced): Infuses the sauce with deep flavor and aroma.
Cajun Seasoning: The star spice blend that brings heat, smokiness, and soul to the dish.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps toast the garlic.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for creaminess and bold umami.
Mozzarella Cheese: Gives the dish a gooey, stretchy finish.
Parsley (Optional): Brightens up the plate and adds a fresh note.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For an extra kick, if you like it spicier.

How To Make the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Cajun Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease. Add Cajun seasoning and mix until fully coated. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to intensify the flavor. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow it to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese to the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan and half of the mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the garlic cream sauce. Toss until well coated. Adjust salt to taste, and add red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

On each plate, layer half with Cajun ground beef and the other half with cheesy pasta. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef

This dish is best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. The cheese will be perfectly gooey, and the garlic cream sauce velvety and rich. Garnish with extra parsley or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life and warm gently over medium heat. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, but bowtie pasta holds the sauce well due to its shape. Penne or rotini are good alternatives if needed.

Is the dish very spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat depending on the Cajun seasoning used. You can always adjust the spice level to taste.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great as substitutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and beef a day in advance. Cook the pasta fresh for best texture when serving.

What cheese blend works best?

A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan offers the perfect melt and tang. Feel free to try Monterey Jack for a twist.

Can I freeze this recipe?

It’s not ideal. The cream sauce may separate when thawed. If freezing, store the pasta and sauce separately and reheat slowly.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If cheesy pasta dinners are your thing, you’ll love these satisfying dishes that balance rich sauces with bold proteins:

The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is a great one-pan option when you want something simple but hearty.

For a creamier experience, the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni delivers on indulgence with every bite.

Try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a similar Cajun kick but with tender chicken and a smooth, buttery finish.

Or check out the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce for a milder, family-friendly version of this recipe.

Craving a spicy twist? The Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta brings heat and cream together for a dish that doesn’t hold back.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta board for easy access. Just hit the Pin button!

And if you give it a go, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you go heavy on the Cajun? Add extra cheese? Snap a photo and leave a comment below.

For more daily comfort meals and indulgent pasta dishes, check out my Pinterest board at LadyPlate on Pinterest.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

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

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for cozy weeknights. With rich garlic cream sauce, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and spiced Cajun ground beef, this recipe blends comfort and boldness into one delicious plate.

Instructions

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

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Crumble as it browns. Drain excess grease.

3. Add Cajun seasoning to the beef. Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

5. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.

6. Reduce heat. Stir in Parmesan and half of the mozzarella until melted and thickened.

7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

8. Plate the pasta and beef side by side. Top with remaining mozzarella and parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente texture helps the sauce cling better.

Let the beef rest in seasoning for a couple minutes to absorb deeper flavor.

Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and better sauce texture.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Cajun pasta, cheesy ground beef pasta, creamy garlic bowtie