Description
Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a bold, creamy pasta dish featuring bowtie pasta tossed in a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce and topped with spiced ground beef. It’s a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional pasta meals.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
- Season the beef with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fully browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine into a smooth sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Top the pasta with the spiced ground beef. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Use ground turkey or sausage as an alternative to beef.Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.Swap bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or fettuccine.Use light cream cheese and cream for a lighter version.Store pasta and meat separately for better texture when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
