Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
Indulge in a fusion of comforting Italian-American Alfredo and vibrant Louisiana spice with this delightful dish. Bowtie pasta cradles a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with bold Cajun flavors, perfectly complemented by savory, seasoned ground beef. It's a weeknight warrior that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, promising a hearty and memorable meal.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4 generous servings
Keywords
cajun alfredocream cheese pastaspiced ground beefbowtie pasta recipequick dinnercomfort foodeasy weeknight mealcreamy pastasouthern inspiredfarfalle alfredo
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Blends classic Alfredo creaminess with a zesty Cajun kick for a unique taste experience.
- Ready in Under an Hour: A perfect solution for busy weeknights, delivering a gourmet feel without the long wait.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein from ground beef and substantial pasta, ensuring everyone leaves the table full.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Uses readily available ingredients to create a dish that tastes complex and special.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: A comforting and flavorful pasta dish that's sure to be a hit with both adults and children.
Ingredients
- 450 grams (1 pound) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 450 grams (1 pound) ground beef (80/20 lean preferred)
- 115 grams (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) milk or half-and-half
- 75 grams (3/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 28 grams (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1.25 grams (1/2 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 grams (1/4 teaspoon) red pepper flakes (optional)
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 450 grams (1 pound) of bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture, meaning it's tender but still has a slight bite. Before draining, carefully reserve 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 14 grams (1 tablespoon) of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the 450 grams (1 pound) of ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season the beef generously with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) of salt, 1.25 grams (1/2 teaspoon) of black pepper, and the optional 0.5 grams (1/4 teaspoon) of red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and slightly crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
- Reduce the heat under the same skillet to medium. Add the remaining 14 grams (1 tablespoon) of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant but without browning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- Introduce the softened 115 grams (4 ounces) of cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts down and forms a smooth, creamy base. Gradually, and while continuously whisking, pour in the 240 milliliters (1 cup) of milk or half-and-half. This slow addition and constant whisking are crucial to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce.
- Stir in the 75 grams (3/4 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing it to thicken slightly to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or Cajun seasoning if you prefer a bolder flavor.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet. Gently toss all the ingredients together using tongs or a large spoon until the pasta and beef are thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. If the sauce appears too thick or needs a little loosening, add the reserved pasta water, 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) at a time, until the consistency is perfect.
- Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef immediately while hot. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish individual servings with additional grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, or a dash of red pepper flakes if a little more heat is desired.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed)
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or large serving spoon
Essential Success Tips
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it much easier to melt smoothly into the sauce without forming lumps. If it's cold, it will be harder to incorporate evenly.
- Whisk Vigorously for Smoothness: When adding the milk or half-and-half, whisk continuously and patiently. This prevents the sauce from separating or becoming grainy, creating that luxurious, velvety texture characteristic of a good Alfredo.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook your bowtie pasta to a true al dente. It will finish cooking slightly in the warm sauce, so starting with firm pasta ensures it doesn't become mushy by the time it's served.
- Season in Layers: Taste the ground beef and the sauce separately before combining everything. Adjust salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning as you go to build layers of flavor, ensuring a perfectly balanced final dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret weapon! It helps emulsify the sauce and adjust its consistency, providing a smooth, creamy finish that clings beautifully to the pasta. Don't skip this step.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Bloomed Spices for Deeper Flavor: For an even more intense Cajun flavor, after sautéing the garlic, add the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the warm butter for about 15-20 seconds before adding the cream cheese. This 'blooms' the spices, releasing their aromatic oils and deepening their taste.
- Caramelized Beef Bits: When browning your ground beef, allow some small, crispy, caramelized bits to form on the bottom of the pan. These flavorful 'fond' bits will deglaze into your sauce, adding an extra layer of savory depth and umami.
- Freshly Grate Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan works, freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and has a superior, more robust flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in the quality of your Alfredo sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Spice Level Variation: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your preferred heat level. For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1.5 tablespoons total and omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Addition: For added nutrients and color, consider sautéing diced bell peppers (red or green) and onions with the garlic before adding the cream cheese. Spinach or chopped tomatoes can also be stirred in at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowties are charming, this dish works wonderfully with other sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Choose your favorite, just ensure it can hold the creamy sauce well.
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
If your sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it gently for a few more minutes, stirring, to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it's too thick, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the ground beef and instead sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or a plant-based ground crumble with the Cajun seasoning. You can also add smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor to compensate for the absence of meat.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: approximately 650, Protein: 45g, Fat: 35g, Carbs: 50g (estimates based on average ingredient values)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy and gluten. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free pasta. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan alternatives, though the flavor and texture may vary.
No comment