Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

When you’re craving something cozy, spicy, and packed with flavor, Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight delivers every time. This one-pot wonder balances the rich creaminess of a seasoned sauce with the bold kick of Cajun spice, all wrapped around tender rotini pasta. The ground beef soaks up the flavors beautifully, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.

This dinner is the kind of meal you can whip up on a weeknight but serve proudly for guests. It’s fast, hearty, and hits the sweet spot between familiar and exciting. If you’ve got a box of rotini and some ground beef in your fridge, you’re halfway to a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

This recipe is a standout for a few reasons. First, it’s a one-skillet dish, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. It also brings together spice and cream in a way that’s deeply satisfying but not overpowering. Plus, rotini is perfect for catching every drop of the luscious sauce, so each bite is loaded with flavor.

Whether you like your Cajun heat bold or mild, the spice level is totally adjustable. And because it uses simple pantry ingredients, it’s one of those dependable dinners you can always count on.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

There are several great options when it comes to Cajun seasoning, and you can absolutely make your own. Store-bought blends work perfectly too—just check the sodium content if you’re watching your salt. A good Cajun mix should have paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of oregano or thyme.

If you want to build your own flavor from scratch, start with a mild base and layer in the heat to suit your taste. This dish is all about balance, so the seasoning should warm your palate without overwhelming the creamy sauce or beefy goodness.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

This dish brings together everyday ingredients in a way that feels anything but ordinary. The combination of pasta, beef, and creamy Cajun sauce makes it a go-to for both comfort and bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:

  • Ground beef
  • Rotini pasta
  • Heavy cream
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Chicken broth
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Ground beef brings a savory, meaty foundation to the dish, while rotini pasta holds onto the sauce with all its spirals and ridges. The heavy cream gives the sauce a luxurious texture, balancing the spice of the Cajun seasoning. Garlic and onion add aromatic depth, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings in that nutty, salty finish. Chicken broth adds flavor and helps thin the sauce just right, while olive oil, salt, and pepper round out the basic flavoring.

Pin this Recipe

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. This forms the aromatic base that flavors the entire dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, seasoning with a bit of salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning as it cooks.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken, then add a touch more Cajun seasoning if desired.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve a bit of the cooking water.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring well to coat each piece. Toss in the Parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Let it all mingle together over low heat for another minute or two before serving.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

This pasta dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. The creamy Cajun sauce clings perfectly to the rotini when it’s freshly made, creating a cozy, flavorful meal. It’s great for casual dinners or quick family meals and holds its own as a next-day lunch.

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce and stir as it warms to keep the texture smooth. It feeds about 4 to 5 people comfortably.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight?

Garlic Bread

A warm, crusty garlic bread makes the perfect side. It’s ideal for soaking up that extra creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

The earthiness of roasted asparagus works beautifully with the bold Cajun flavors.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cool down the spice and add a juicy, tangy layer.

Sauteed Spinach with Lemon

Quick-cooked spinach with a squeeze of lemon balances out the creaminess of the dish.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn offers a subtle sweetness that plays nicely with the Cajun heat.

Grilled Zucchini

Simple grilled zucchini slices provide a smoky, tender side that won’t compete with the main dish.

Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Double down on Cajun flavor with a side of quick-seared shrimp skewers, perfect for spice lovers.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you loved this Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight, you’ll definitely want to explore these other pasta recipes that bring bold flavor and comforting texture together:

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And don’t forget to tell me how yours turned out! Did you go spicy or mild? Add bell peppers or spinach? I love hearing how you make this your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s cook better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more hearty dinners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite comfort meal!

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight brings the bold and the buttery together in one pot. With just the right balance of spice and cream, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings and keeps dinner exciting. Whether you’re serving a crowd or storing it for later, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Description

Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight is a one-pot pasta recipe featuring tender rotini, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with bold flavors and perfect for feeding a family.


Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

12 ounces rotini pasta

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a spoonful of Cajun seasoning.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let it simmer on low for 5 to 7 minutes.

4. While the sauce is simmering, boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

5. Stir cooked pasta into the sauce, add Parmesan cheese, and mix well. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Let everything simmer together for 2 more minutes.

7. Serve hot, optionally topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Notes

Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight is best served immediately, but stores well in the fridge.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste — start mild and build the heat.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star