Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef (Bold & Creamy!)
Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a bold and comforting pasta dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, zesty Cajun seasoning, and hearty ground beef. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful twist on classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Cajun
Ingredients
- 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cream cheese and stir until softened.
4. Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy sauce base, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before cooking for easier melting.
Do not skip reserving pasta water, as it helps emulsify and loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat best with a splash of milk.