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Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef: The Ultimate Comfort Pasta With a Bold Cajun Twist

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef: The Ultimate Comfort Pasta With a Bold Cajun Twist

If you’re craving a bold, creamy, and comforting dinner, this Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Classic Alfredo gets a spicy upgrade thanks to Cajun seasoning, velvety cream cheese, and savory ground beef, all tossed with tender bowtie pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, and leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Beef & Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided

  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 tbsp reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  • Cook the Beef
    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.

  • Start the Sauce
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Make It Creamy
    Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.

  • Season & Thicken
    Stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  • Combine Everything
    Return ground beef to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

  • Serve
    Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or an extra sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid lumps.

  • Use half-and-half for extra richness or milk for a lighter sauce.

  • Cajun seasoning varies in saltiness—taste before adding more salt.

  • Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.