Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with spiced ground beef is a rich, creamy, and boldly seasoned pasta dish packed with Southern-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water, then drain.
- Cook ground beef in butter with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Sauté garlic in remaining butter until fragrant.
- Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Whisk in milk and bring to a creamy consistency.
- Add Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer until thick.
- Return beef and pasta to skillet.
- Toss everything together, adding pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice level preference.
- Use half-and-half for a richer sauce.
- Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.