Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
introduction
This dish mixes creamy Alfredo with spicy Cajun beef. It cooks fast and fills the kitchen with good smells. If you like bold pasta, try a similar dish like Cajun beef spaghetti for another idea. The pasta and sauce come together in one pan once the beef is ready.
why make this recipe
Make this when you want a simple, tasty weeknight meal. It uses few ingredients and cooks in about 30 minutes. The spice lifts the creamy sauce and makes plain pasta feel special. This is a good way to use cream cheese for a smooth sauce, and it pairs well with sides or a simple salad. For a different dinner idea, you might also enjoy a sweet finish like red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting after dinner.
how to make Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
Cook the pasta first so it is al dente. While pasta cooks, brown the ground beef with onion, garlic, and Cajun spice. Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese and Alfredo sauce. Toss the drained bowties with the creamy beef sauce until the pasta is coated and hot. Finish with grated parmesan.
Ingredients :
- bowtie pasta
- ground beef
- cream cheese
- Alfredo sauce
- Cajun spice
- garlic
- onion
- salt
- pepper
- olive oil
- parmesan cheese
Directions :
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add the ground beef, season with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Once the beef is cooked, reduce heat, and stir in cream cheese and Alfredo sauce until well combined and creamy.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese.
how to serve Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
Serve hot from the pan. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top. Add a side salad or steamed veggies for color. You can serve with garlic bread if you like.
how to store Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
Let leftovers cool to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze cream cheese sauces; texture changes.
tips to make Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Taste and adjust Cajun spice so it is not too hot.
- Save a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Cook pasta just to al dente so it does not get soft when mixed with the sauce.
variation (if any)
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms when you sauté the onion for extra veg.
- Use spicy Alfredo or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Penne, rotini, or shells work well.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Use plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers instead of beef.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the beef and sauce ahead, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: How do I make the sauce thinner if it is too thick?
A: Stir in a little milk or reserved pasta water until you reach the texture you like.
Q: Can I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium Alfredo sauce and reduce added salt.
Conclusion
If you want more Cajun creamy pasta ideas, try this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a quick family meal. For a sausage twist with Alfredo, see Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo.
Print
Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
A bold and creamy pasta dish that combines Cajun spiced ground beef with bowtie pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 2 tsp Cajun spice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add the ground beef, season with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Once the beef is cooked, reduce heat, and stir in cream cheese and Alfredo sauce until well combined and creamy.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for a smoother sauce. Taste and adjust Cajun spice so it is not too hot. Save a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Beef
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner
