When my week gets hectic and I barely have the energy to think about what’s for dinner, I always fall back on one of my ultimate comfort meals, something hearty, cheesy, and a little bold. That’s how this Cajun Garlic Butter Beef with Creamy Cheddar Bowtie Pasta came to life. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug at the end of a long day. Think juicy, seasoned ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a creamy garlic-cheddar-Parmesan sauce that coats every bite in pure joy.
I first made a version of this when we had friends over for a casual game night. I needed something quick, crowd-pleasing, and filling but still a little special. I tossed together ingredients I already had: ground beef, some leftover Cajun seasoning, and a bunch of cheeses that needed to be used up. It was such a hit, people were asking for seconds before I’d even sat down.
Since then, this dish has become a staple in our house. It works just as well for a cozy family dinner as it does for casual entertaining. And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, with ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. No fuss, all flavor, and definitely worth adding to your weekly meal rotation.
Essential Elements
Here’s why this recipe works so beautifully:
- Balanced flavor: The Cajun spices bring a bit of smoky heat that’s mellowed by the creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce.
- Simple pantry staples: Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
- One-skillet finish: Less mess, faster cleanup.
- Kid-friendly with a grown-up twist: Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful without being too spicy.
- Perfect for meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully and holds up well for next-day lunches.
Whether you’re feeding a family or just need a comforting bowl of pasta to dig into on the couch, this dish delivers in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish isn’t just creamy pasta, it’s a full-on flavor experience. You’ll love how the Cajun seasoning infuses the beef with smoky, peppery warmth, while the garlic butter lays down the foundation for that luscious sauce. The mix of cheddar and Parmesan gives you both melty goodness and salty depth, making every bite rich and satisfying.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can make it spicy or mild depending on your taste, and it pairs well with a variety of vegetables if you want to bulk it up. Want to stretch the servings? Just add more pasta. Want to lighten it up? Use half-and-half instead of cream. You’re in control here.
And let’s be honest, any recipe that gets dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, tastes like something from a restaurant, and uses just one skillet (after boiling pasta) is a total win in my book.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or impressing guests with your “I didn’t even try that hard” skills, this creamy Cajun pasta hits the mark every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef and Seasoning:
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking beef)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce.
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef starts to brown, season it with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Continue cooking the beef for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and nicely browned. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken. Now stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, and keep stirring until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Return the cooked beef and pasta to the skillet, and gently toss everything together to coat well in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Variations
This recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or simply want to change things up, here are some ways you can make it your own:
- Make it gluten-free: Just swap the bowtie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta brand. There are plenty of excellent corn or brown rice-based pastas that hold up beautifully in creamy sauces.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based ground beef alternative. You’ll still get that hearty texture and depth of flavor without the meat.
- Add veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach, chopped bell peppers, or even peas toward the end. It’s a great way to sneak in more nutrition and color.
- Spice control: Love heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Use half the Cajun seasoning or opt for a salt-free seasoning blend.
This dish is designed to be flexible; no need to run to the store for one missing item. You can play with different cheeses, use leftover proteins, or even turn it into a baked pasta casserole with a little extra cheese on top. Make it your own and you’ll never get bored.
How to Serve
This dish is a meal all on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can take your dinner to the next level. If you’re hosting or just want a more rounded meal, consider these pairings:
- Simple salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta beautifully. Think arugula with lemon, or a basic cucumber and tomato mix with balsamic.
- Garlic bread: Yes, double the carbs and no regrets. Toasted baguette slices with butter and a hint of garlic make a perfect crunchy companion.
- Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a nice contrast in texture and color to the creamy pasta.
When serving, consider offering grated Parmesan at the table for guests to add more as they like. A sprinkle of extra parsley or even a squeeze of lemon can freshen up each plate just before eating. It’s the little touches that make the meal feel extra special.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few helpful ideas to make the cooking process easier and the results more delicious:
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Grating your own from a block ensures a creamier, silkier sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente, especially if you’ll be tossing it in a hot sauce afterward, it’ll continue cooking slightly.
- Reserve pasta water: Always a lifesaver when you need to thin out the sauce without diluting flavor. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Cajun spice blends vary in saltiness and heat. Always taste before adding extra salt or spice.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prep the beef and even the sauce a day ahead. Store separately and reheat together for a super quick dinner.
A little prep and attention go a long way in making this dish shine every time.
Cooking Note
Keep these final pointers in mind for the best results:
- Avoid overcooking the beef; you want it browned, not dry.
- Stir the cheese in slowly with the heat lowered to prevent clumping.
- If your sauce separates or gets too thick, add warm pasta water a little at a time and stir constantly.
- Reheat leftovers gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Nutritional Information (estimated per serving)
- Calories: ~820
- Protein: ~42g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While bowtie pasta gives a fun shape and great surface area for the sauce, you can easily substitute penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust cook time accordingly, and always salt your pasta water well for the best flavor.
Can I freeze this dish?
This pasta dish freezes relatively well, though cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely and store it in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back together.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
To lighten it up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. You can also swap out part of the beef for vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or use a leaner cut like ground turkey.
Conclusion
Cajun Garlic Butter Beef with Creamy Cheddar Bowtie Pasta is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes, cozy, rich, and full of bold flavor, without being too complicated. It’s proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or bland. A little seasoning, a creamy sauce, and your favorite pasta are all it takes to create something memorable.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something comforting and satisfying, this pasta delivers. It’s warm, filling, and has just enough spice to keep things interesting.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you! And while you’re here, take a peek at some of the other cozy pasta recipes I’ve been loving lately, like my Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine or Spicy Blackened Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Until then, happy cooking and happy eating!
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Cajun Garlic Butter Beef with Creamy Cheddar Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef and Seasoning:
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking beef)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef starts to brown, season it with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Continue cooking the beef for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and nicely browned. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken. Now stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, and keep stirring until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Return the cooked beef and pasta to the skillet, and gently toss everything together to coat well in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 820
- Sodium: 780
- Protein: 42