Description
A rich and flavorful Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe featuring spiced ground beef simmered in a creamy sauce with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Stir the beef frequently to break it into crumbles and ensure even cooking. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the spices.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese in small chunks to the skillet containing the beef and stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted into the mixture.
- Create Alfredo Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to form a smooth, creamy sauce. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and integrates into the sauce, enriching its flavor and texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained bowtie pasta into the skillet. Toss and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce and spiced beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties hot for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level to control the heat intensity.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese results in a smoother sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, keeping in mind the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid the sauce separating.
