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Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a creamy, spicy, and hearty pasta dish that elevates classic Alfredo with a flavorful Cajun twist. Combining tender bowtie pasta with richly seasoned ground beef and a luscious cream cheese and Parmesan sauce, this recipe offers a perfect balance of comfort and bold flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s quick to prepare and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Beef

  • 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce

  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed to loosen sauce)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Brown the Spiced Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the beef is fully browned and slightly crispy around the edges. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, leaving the drippings behind.
  3. Make the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it begins to melt into the butter and garlic.
  4. Incorporate Milk and Cheese: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce base without lumps.
  5. Add Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice as desired.
  6. Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained bowtie pasta. Toss all ingredients together to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the preferred consistency.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat and color.

Notes

  • Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Always reserve some pasta water; its starchiness helps adjust and bind the sauce perfectly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and optimal melting.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; keeping it al dente ensures the pasta maintains texture and absorbs the sauce well.
  • Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent cream cheese and dairy from separating or curdling.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Keywords: Cajun pasta recipe, creamy Alfredo, bowtie pasta, spiced ground beef, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning, comfort food, creamy sauce, easy pasta dish

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/cajun-cream-cheese-alfredo-bowties-with-spiced-ground-beef-recipe/