Description
This spicy Cajun bowtie pasta is pure comfort food with a Southern twist. A smoky blend of ground beef and Italian sausage forms the heart of this hearty dinner, while a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce wraps every piece of pasta in bold flavor. Cajun seasoning adds heat, fresh spinach and peppers give color and sweetness, and cheese takes it to next-level creamy. If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, flavorful weeknight meals, or pasta recipes with a kick, this one will keep your family coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
225g bowtie pasta
200g ground beef
150g Italian sausage
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
2 cups baby spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 2 tbsp of pasta water and drain.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Move meat to the side of the skillet and add butter, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until soft.
4. Pour in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Stir well and simmer.
5. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Mix in spinach and let it wilt.
7. Toss in the pasta and reserved water. Stir until evenly coated.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan on top, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika or smoked sausage.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning depending on your heat tolerance—start mild and build up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg