Spicy Cajun Cream Cheese Beef Alfredo Bowties (Print Version)

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Beef brings a kick of flavor to your dinner table. This pasta dish is easy, comforting, and packed with creamy goodness.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten, meat

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Protein

01 - 12 oz bowtie pasta
02 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)

→ Creamy Sauce Base

03 - 8 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened
04 - 1.5 cups heavy cream
05 - 1 cup chicken broth
06 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Cajun Kick & Aromatics

07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1.5-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first! Grab a large skillet or a Dutch oven, something with high sides, and get it heating over medium-high. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, with no pink bits left. While that's happening, get a big pot of water on for the pasta, and don't forget to salt it generously – learned that the hard way! Once the beef is cooked, drain off most of the fat, but leave a little for flavor. Then, add your butter, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté it all until the onion softens and the garlic smells fragrant, usually about 3-5 minutes. Oh, that smell is just the best, honestly!
02 - Now for the kick! Sprinkle your Cajun seasoning over the browned beef and sautéed aromatics. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is coated. Let it cook for another minute or two, just to toast those spices and really bring out their flavor. You'll smell that spicy, earthy aroma filling your kitchen, and that's how you know you're on the right track. My kitchen gets a little smoky here sometimes, but it’s worth it for that depth of flavor. This is where the dish starts to really feel like our Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Beef!
03 - By now, your pasta water should be boiling. Add your bowtie pasta and cook it according to package directions until it's al dente. This is crucial—we don't want mushy pasta! Before you drain it, remember to scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water. Seriously, don't skip this. It's liquid gold for thinning the sauce later if it gets too thick. Drain the rest of the pasta and set it aside. I usually just leave it in the colander while I finish the sauce, no need to rinse it.
04 - Reduce the heat under your beef skillet to medium-low. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir constantly, breaking up the cream cheese as it melts, until you have a smooth, luscious sauce. This takes a few minutes, so be patient. I've definitely tried to rush this part and ended up with little cream cheese lumps—oops! Just keep stirring, it'll get there. The sauce should start to bubble gently and thicken up a bit.
05 - Once the sauce is smooth, stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated, making the sauce even more velvety. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust seasonings. Maybe a little more salt? A dash more Cajun seasoning if you like it spicier? Now, add your cooked and drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in that glorious, creamy Cajun sauce. If it seems a little too thick, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
06 - Dish out your steaming hot Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Beef immediately! Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The green really pops against the creamy sauce, and it adds a lovely freshness. Sometimes I even add a little extra Parmesan on top, because, why not? Take a moment to just breathe in those amazing aromas. It’s rich, it’s spicy, it’s creamy—it’s everything you want in a comfort meal. Enjoy every single bite, you earned it!

# Notes:

01 - Honestly, don't skimp on the cream cheese; it makes the sauce so velvety.
02 - Leftovers are great, but sometimes I add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
03 - If you're out of bowties, penne or fettuccine work just as well, I've tried it!
04 - A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a dash of hot sauce on top? Chef's kiss!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - large pot
03 - colander
04 - wooden spoon
05 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650-800
Total Fat: 45-60g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-55g
Protein: 30-40g

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