Dinner

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

ByAndria Russo January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

Introduction

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a flavorful twist on classic Alfredo pasta. Combining creamy sauce with bold Cajun spices and savory ground beef, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels special.

The image shows a white plate filled with cooked bowtie pasta mixed with ground meat and melted yellow-orange cheese evenly spread on top. Small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled across the dish, adding spots of fresh color. The pasta appears creamy with the cheese slightly browned in places, giving a warm and hearty feel. The surface under the plate is a white marbled texture. 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 the 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 the ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese and stir until softened and creamy.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half to create a smooth, creamy base. Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
Step 6: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer and creamier sauce.
For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store any 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 as needed to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate filled with three layers of creamy baked pasta. The bottom layer shows cooked bowtie pasta in a golden yellow color, lightly coated in cheese sauce. Above that, there is a layer of browned ground beef with small browned bits, spread evenly over the pasta. The top layer consists of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, bubbling and golden with some browned spots, sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. The texture looks cheesy and creamy with a slight crispy crust on top. The entire dish is on 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, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or fettuccine depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is this dish spicy?

The Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes give this dish a mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the amount or omit the red pepper flakes for less spiciness.