Description
Indulge in the bold and comforting flavors of Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef. This delightful dish transforms classic Alfredo into a zesty experience, combining a creamy cheese sauce infused with Cajun spices and hearty ground beef, all tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can serve this quick yet impressive meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Ideal for leftovers, the flavors deepen overnight, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned; set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and sauté minced garlic in remaining butter until fragrant. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Gradually whisk in milk or half-and-half to form a creamy base; add Parmesan cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Return beef to the skillet along with the cooked pasta; toss everything together, using reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg