Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful twist on classic Alfredo pasta. It combines creamy, cheesy sauce with spicy ground beef for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and soft.
4. Step 4: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if desired.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat in the sauce.
7. Step 7: Add the drained pasta and gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Warm through for a few minutes.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
• Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if you prefer a different shape.
• To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness, but you can omit it if unavailable.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and ground beef mixture ahead and refrigerate separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for best texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative to keep it hearty and flavorful.

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish combining tender bowtie pasta with a rich Cajun-spiced cream cheese Alfredo sauce and savory seasoned ground beef. This recipe offers a delightful balance of spicy, cheesy, and hearty flavors, perfect for a comforting dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie pasta

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside to be combined later.
2. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season the beef with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Make Alfredo Sauce: Add the cream cheese to the skillet with the onions and garlic and stir until the cream cheese melts completely. Pour in the heavy cream gradually, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, creating a smooth creamy texture.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if desired for extra flavor.
6. Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir it well to coat evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
7. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and gently fold everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce and beef mixture. Heat through for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
8. Serve: Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if using for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Cook pasta until al dente to maintain a firm texture when mixed with the sauce.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, but it may be less thick.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor, but it’s optional.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun pasta, Cream cheese Alfredo, Spiced ground beef, Bowtie pasta recipe, Creamy Cajun pasta