Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

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Craving something comforting, spicy, and absolutely dripping in cheesy goodness? This Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce might just be your next obsession. It combines bold Cajun flavors with rich, velvety cheese and hearty ground beef, all twirled together in a cast-iron skillet presentation that screams indulgence.

Perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd, this skillet pasta bake isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. The golden, bubbling crust of melted cheese layered over a mountain of seasoned beef and spaghetti turns your ordinary pasta night into a Southern-inspired showstopper.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this decadent skillet of Cajun beef spaghetti, you’ll need a few key tools to ensure the textures and layers come together just right:

• Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for getting that crispy, cheesy crust on the bottom and edges. It also retains heat beautifully.
• Large Pot: For boiling your spaghetti to al dente before it goes into the skillet.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the beef mixture and scraping all the savory bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Whisk: Important when blending your cheeses into the sauce, keeping things creamy and lump-free.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine the cheese sauce with the pasta evenly before layering.

These tools help with efficiency and consistency, especially when you’re working with sticky cheese and bold spices. Having the right equipment means less fuss, better flavor, and a flawless finish every time.

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

• Ground Beef: The heart of this dish. Choose 80/20 for flavor and juiciness. It soaks up all the Cajun spices and adds savory depth.
• Spaghetti Pasta: A sturdy base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Cook it just to al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce with a slightly tangy flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings nutty, salty sharpness to the sauce. A key to that irresistible crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For stretchy, gooey texture on top. It browns beautifully in the skillet.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Balances the creaminess with bold, punchy flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning: The soul of the dish. Spicy, smoky, and aromatic.
• Garlic and Onion: Adds a robust base flavor and enhances the beef.
• Heavy Cream: The creamy element that smooths out the cheeses and forms the luscious sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish, but brightens and adds a fresh finish.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing and helping the cheese sauce emulsify.
• Salt & Pepper: For balance and seasoning throughout.

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef with Cajun Flavor

In your cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan over low heat, melt the cream cheese and whisk in heavy cream. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar, whisking until smooth and melted into a thick sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cheese sauce. Ensure every strand is coated.

Step 5: Assemble in Skillet

Pour the pasta mixture over the beef in the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to mix slightly. Top with more mozzarella and cheddar for that golden, bubbly finish.

Step 6: Bake and Garnish

Place the skillet under the broiler for 5-7 minutes or until the top is browned and bubbling. Remove and garnish with chopped parsley.

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti

This skillet spaghetti is best served piping hot straight from the oven. The top layer of cheese will be golden and bubbling, the inside rich and creamy. Pair it with a light side like a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to cut through the richness.

If you’re serving a crowd, scoop it onto plates using tongs for easy plating. The cheese pull is always a crowd-pleaser.

For storing, let the leftovers cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat portions in the microwave or re-crisp it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. It freezes well too—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great. Just make sure it holds sauce well.

What’s the best ground beef to use?

Go for 80/20. It has enough fat for flavor without being greasy. Drain excess fat before adding the sauce.

Can I make it less spicy?

Of course. Reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild blend. You can also balance heat with more cream or cheese.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute with gluten-free pasta and check your Cajun seasoning and cheese labels.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake until bubbly. You may need a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

A regular oven-safe skillet or casserole dish works too. You might miss the crispy edges but the flavor stays rich.

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Want More Spicy Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti, you’re in for a flavorful ride with more recipes that bring the same comfort with a spicy edge. Try my Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta for a fiery cream sauce twist with chicken and jalapeños. Or indulge in the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, which leans richer with a garlicky Parmesan kick.

Looking for a family-style dish with a fun flair? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna layers heat with tangy sauce and cheesy goodness. And if you crave something quick and craveable, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta hits that weeknight sweet spot.

For an ultra-creamy comfort classic, don’t skip the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s got similar flavors with a lighter protein punch.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta or comfort food boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

And if you end up making it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go heavy on the spice? Did you use a different cheese combo? Drop your tweaks and thoughts in the comments below.

Want more dinner recipes like this? Come hang with me over on Pinterest at LadyPlate where I share daily dishes from spicy pastas to sweet weekend bakes.

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