Description
If bold, cheesy, and comforting are your recipe must-haves, this dish is about to become your go-to. Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream combines the satisfying bite of bowtie pasta with the spicy richness of Cajun-seasoned beef and a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s an irresistible dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights, laid-back weekends, or when you’re craving something seriously cozy. With familiar pantry ingredients, this easy recipe is all about big flavors and simple steps—a delicious way to impress with minimal effort. Whether you’re seeking new dinner ideas, a hearty comfort dish, or a quick weeknight win, this one hits the spot.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and add the ground beef. Season with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
7. Add the cooked Cajun ground beef back into the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melting texture.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning for your heat preference—mild or fiery!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg