Dinner

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

ByAndria Russo December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

Introduction

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful twist on classic pasta dishes. This creamy, spicy meal combines tender bowtie pasta with a rich Alfredo sauce and zesty Cajun-seasoned beef for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare.

A close-up view of a dish with multiple layers of cooked bowtie pasta mixed evenly with browned ground beef, topped generously with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The cheese is golden and bubbly, covering the pasta and meat with slight browning spots. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast against the yellow and brown tones. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 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.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add cream cheese and stir until softened.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Step 5: Mix in grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Return cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 7: Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer sauce.
Add chopped bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Reserve extra pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white plate filled with a creamy pasta dish made with bowtie-shaped noodles. The noodles are coated in a rich yellow cheese sauce, scattered with browned ground meat pieces and topped with melted white and orange cheese. Small green bits of fresh herbs are sprinkled over the dish. The texture is creamy with some crispy browned spots on top. The background shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer will work well, such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly option without sacrificing flavor.