Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties Recipe
Introduction
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe combines tender bowtie pasta with savory ground beef and a rich, creamy sauce spiced with Cajun seasoning. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that brings a flavorful twist to classic comfort food.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, add the cream cheese and Cajun seasoning to the beef, stirring until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to evenly coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of milk or cream to thin the sauce if needed.
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or onions for more texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or fusilli, which also hold the sauce well.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust it to your preference or reduce the amount if you prefer milder flavors.
PrintCajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties Recipe
Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties combine tender bowtie pasta with savory ground beef and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce flavored with bold Cajun seasoning. This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want a comforting meal with a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup milk (to thin the sauce, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Prepare the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and Cajun seasoning to the beef in the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and formed a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add up to 1/2 cup of milk to reach desired creaminess.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level to your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less milk or omit it entirely.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: Cajun, Cream Cheese, Alfredo, Bowtie Pasta, Ground Beef, Easy Dinner, Spicy Pasta
