Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef features tender farfalle pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy Cajun Alfredo sauce and hearty seasoned beef. A bold, comforting pasta dinner ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Brown ground beef; drain excess fat. Season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in skillet; sauté garlic 30–60 seconds.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melting; gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning; simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return beef to skillet, add pasta, and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t overboil pasta; al dente holds sauce better.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending.
- Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American-inspired