Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

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Creamy, bold, and full of irresistible Southern flair, Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is the weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend indulgence. This pasta dish wraps comforting flavors in a rich cream cheese alfredo sauce that’s both tangy and smooth, while the Cajun seasoning adds that signature kick we all crave. Fold in tender bowtie pasta and savory spiced ground beef, and you get a complete meal that satisfies from the first forkful.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking to impress, this dish hits every note: hearty, spicy, creamy, and just the right amount of decadent. It brings together pantry staples in an elevated, yet approachable way that makes dinner feel just a little more special.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

You’ll love this recipe for how seamlessly it combines creamy indulgence with bold Cajun flair. The cream cheese creates a velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, while the seasoned ground beef adds a layer of smoky depth and texture. It’s comforting without being bland and spicy without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s all made in one pot for easy cleanup and faster cooking.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While bowties are the star here for their ability to catch the sauce in every fold, you could easily swap them for penne, rotini, or even rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. The key is choosing a pasta shape that holds the creamy Cajun sauce well. Avoid thin pasta like spaghetti or angel hair as they don’t offer the same satisfying bite or texture balance with the meat and sauce.

Ingredients for the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

To make this bold and creamy dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully in the skillet. Each component adds its own layer of flavor and texture, so it’s worth using the best versions you can find.

  • Bowtie pasta
  • Ground beef
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Garlic cloves
  • Onion
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

The bowtie pasta acts as the hearty base and catches the sauce beautifully in its folds. Ground beef brings savory, seasoned protein to the mix. Cream cheese is the creamy element that gives the Alfredo its signature tang and richness, balanced by the smoothness of heavy cream. Parmesan cheese adds a salty bite and nutty flavor, while Cajun seasoning delivers a spicy, smoky kick that defines the dish. Garlic and onion bring a classic aromatic foundation, and butter and olive oil help build the sauce. Season everything with salt and pepper, and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a final bright, herby touch.

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How To Make the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. This builds the flavor base of your sauce.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. Pour in heavy cream and stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently fold everything together so the bowties are fully coated. Let everything warm through for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Plate the pasta and finish with chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Serving and Storing Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

This recipe makes enough to feed about 4 hungry people generously, or 6 if served with a side dish or salad. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal but also holds its own for casual dinner parties and potlucks. The creamy texture and bold spices taste even better when the dish is served fresh and hot right from the skillet.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave to bring back that luscious sauce texture without drying out the pasta.

What to Serve With Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties?

Garlic Bread with a Crunch

A golden, crusty garlic bread is the perfect pairing. It sops up the Alfredo sauce and adds a buttery crunch.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Lightly roasted vegetables like zucchini and squash offer a fresh and wholesome contrast to the richness of the pasta. Try this roasted zucchini and squash recipe for an easy side.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze can cut through the creaminess with acidity and brightness.

Southern Cornbread Poppers

If you’re in the mood for something fun and Southern, these cornbread poppers add a spicy twist and texture punch.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta (as a side or variation)

Serve a small portion of this creamy tomato spinach pasta alongside or offer it as a vegetarian option at the table.

Steamed Green Beans with Lemon

Simple and snappy green beans with a bit of lemon zest bring color and brightness.

Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls

For a crispy, spicy side dish that matches the Cajun theme, these jalapeño popper egg rolls are a playful and satisfying pick.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad’s creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the pasta beautifully without overpowering it.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef, here are more delicious pasta recipes worth exploring:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you give it a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you go spicy or keep it mellow? Did you swap the beef for chicken or sausage?

I love seeing the ways everyone makes these dishes their own. Questions are welcome, and your tweaks might help someone else!

Explore beautifully curated dinner recipes and health-boosting comfort meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest: Janet Dishes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is the perfect marriage of comfort food and Cajun spice. With creamy, cheesy sauce hugging every piece of pasta and deeply seasoned beef layered in, this dish brings serious flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dinner that gets requested again and again—and thankfully, it’s as easy to make as it is to devour.

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Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Description

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a creamy, spicy pasta recipe featuring bowtie pasta, a rich cream cheese Alfredo sauce, and seasoned ground beef. This easy one-pan dish delivers comforting Southern flavor with a Cajun twist. Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.


Ingredients

1 pound bowtie pasta

1 pound ground beef

8 ounces cream cheese

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 small onion, chopped

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and soft.

4. Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if desired.

6. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix to coat in the sauce.

7. Add the drained pasta and gently fold everything together until coated. Warm through.

8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.

Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 590mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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