Imagine your fork swirling into tender bowtie pasta, coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce and generously layered with Cajun-spiced ground beef. Now imagine the cheese melting over it all, clinging to every bite. That’s exactly what this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream promises—a plateful of soul-soothing comfort.

This dish marries bold Southern spices with creamy indulgence, creating a pasta night unlike any other. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet rich and satisfying enough to impress dinner guests. Each element works in harmony: the pasta provides texture, the beef brings warmth, and the garlic cream sauce ties it all together with a velvety finish.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

This recipe checks every box for a perfect dinner. It’s hearty, fast, and full of flavor. The Cajun seasoning gives the beef a smoky kick, while the garlic cream softens the edges and makes it ultra cozy. And the cheese? It brings the dish full circle, delivering richness and indulgence in every forkful.

You’ll also love how customizable it is. Want it spicier? Add more Cajun seasoning. Need to stretch it for a crowd? Double the batch with ease. It’s comfort food made simple and delicious.

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta Instead of Bowtie?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) holds sauces beautifully and adds a playful texture, you can easily substitute it with penne, rotini, or even rigatoni. The key is choosing a shape that traps the creamy sauce and bits of savory beef in its ridges or folds. Just be sure to cook your pasta to al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce without turning mushy.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

This dish combines everyday ingredients that, when brought together, create something absolutely crave-worthy. The boldness of Cajun seasoning with creamy cheese and garlic transforms pantry staples into something that tastes gourmet.

Bowtie Pasta
Ground Beef
Cajun Seasoning
Garlic
Heavy Cream
Cream Cheese
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Butter
Salt & Black Pepper
Green Onions (optional for garnish)

The bowtie pasta acts as the hearty base, its wide surface area perfect for catching sauce. Ground beef brings richness and protein, while Cajun seasoning infuses each bite with warmth and spice. Fresh garlic adds depth, and heavy cream paired with cream cheese creates the luxurious sauce. Melty cheddar and nutty parmesan layer on creamy and salty notes. A touch of butter enhances the silky texture, and salt and pepper balance the flavors. A sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh finish.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream 2

How To Make the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Cajun Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up as it browns, and once it’s nearly done, stir in the Cajun seasoning and minced garlic. Let it cook another 2-3 minutes to bring out the flavors.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and add butter, followed by cream cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the beef. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Then stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the drained pasta to the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Mix well until every bowtie is coated in the cheesy garlic sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the magic of spicy, creamy, cheesy pasta in every bite.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

This pasta is best served piping hot, straight from the skillet when the cheese is at its meltiest and the garlic cream is silky and rich. It’s a filling main course that can comfortably feed 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or even casual gatherings with friends.

If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. The flavors often deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers even more irresistible.

What to Serve With Cheesy Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread with Herbs

The garlicky cream sauce practically begs for a warm, crusty slice of garlic bread to mop up every last bit.

Roasted Broccoli

A tray of crisp-tender roasted broccoli adds contrast and brings a touch of freshness to balance the richness.

Simple Side Salad

A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the creamy pasta beautifully.

Grilled Asparagus

With a slight char and a hint of lemon, grilled asparagus adds brightness and texture.

Creamy Coleslaw

Crunchy and slightly sweet coleslaw makes a playful and cool sidekick to this warm and cheesy dish.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

For a comfort food overload (in the best way), crispy roasted potatoes with parmesan are hard to beat.

Corn on the Cob

Buttery corn on the cob brings a nostalgic, summer-inspired vibe to the plate.

Sautéed Green Beans

Quick and simple, green beans with a bit of garlic or shallots make an easy yet elegant side.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream hit the spot, there’s a whole world of bold and creamy pastas to explore:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vegetarian twist with tangy tomatoes and silky greens.
Craving sausage? One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni brings major comfort in a single pan.
Get adventurous with Chorizo Gnocchi with Mozzarella for smoky, cheesy goodness.
For another Cajun-inspired flavor bomb, the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a spicy favorite.
Dive into the decadence of Creamy Mushroom Ravioli when you’re in the mood for something ultra-rich and savory.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

Let me know how yours turned out in the comments. Did you go bold on the Cajun spice? Did you swap in another cheese or protein?

Hearing your spins on this dish makes my day, and questions are always welcome. Let’s keep making weeknight dinners exciting and crave-worthy.

Explore more flavor-packed recipes and cozy comfort food ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your new favorites in no time!

Conclusion

There’s something magic about a dish that balances spicy, creamy, and cheesy in just the right way. This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. From quick weeknight comfort to a meal worth sharing, it checks every box. It’s not just dinner—it’s a reason to gather around the table and enjoy every bite.