Some nights, I just need a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to make everyone happy, and this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is exactly that. It’s one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something creamy and flavorful, but don’t have the time (or energy!) for anything complicated. The Cajun seasoning gives it a little kick, but not too much, so even my picky eaters are all in.
I actually threw this together the first time on a night when I was short on time and ingredients, and it ended up being a huge hit. The ground beef is seasoned just right, and once you stir in the creamy, cheesy garlic sauce, it all comes together like magic. The bowtie pasta is perfect for holding onto every bit of that delicious sauce, and the whole dish just feels cozy and satisfying without being heavy.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To make this recipe with ease, a few kitchen tools will help:
- A large pot to boil the pasta, don’t forget to salt your water well, as this seasons the pasta from the inside out.
- A spacious skillet or sauté pan, sturdy and wide enough to brown the ground beef and prepare your sauce comfortably.
- A good wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef and stir the sauce without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons to keep your seasoning balanced.
- A cheese grater if you’re using block cheese instead of pre-shredded (freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer).
No fancy gadgets are needed here, just some basics that you likely already have in your kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Work
There are a few reasons this dish comes together so beautifully every time:
- Balanced Seasoning: The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika give the beef a smoky, spicy edge that wakes up the palate but isn’t overpowering. Garlic powder rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Creamy Sauce Base: Using a combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s rich, smooth, and indulgent without being greasy.
- Pasta Choice: Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is not only fun to eat but also practical its little folds and creases catch the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Layered Cooking: Browning the beef first and seasoning it well builds a robust base flavor, while the sauce simmers gently to meld everything together.
- Adjustable Texture: The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon. It loosens the sauce as needed, helping the cheese cling beautifully to the noodles and beef without becoming too thick or heavy.
The result is a creamy, cheesy, spicy pasta that feels homemade and comforting, yet sophisticated enough to serve to guests or treat your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Preparation
Step 1: Start by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This will help adjust your sauce later if it’s too thick.
Step 2: While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it browns. Cook until the beef is fully browned with no pink left, about 7 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Once the beef is cooked through, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so every bit of beef is coated with the spices. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until fragrant.
Step 4: Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Now add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and gooey. If the sauce is thicker than you’d like, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Return the cooked bowtie pasta and seasoned beef to the skillet. Toss everything gently together so the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the luscious garlic cream sauce. Let it simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes to meld all the flavors.
Step 7: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat. Serve immediately, offering extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want a cheesier bite.
Easy Variations to Try
One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re cooking for a family with different tastes or need to accommodate dietary needs, this creamy Cajun beef pasta can be customized easily.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta can have different cook times.
- Add More Veggies: While I love the richness of this dish, sneaking in extra veggies is always a win. Consider stirring in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for added texture and flavor.
- Swap Proteins: If ground beef isn’t your go-to, try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You can also omit the meat altogether and add extra mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian take.
- Kick Up the Spice: Love heat? Feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce. If you want a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Swaps: Don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan? Cheddar or Monterey Jack can work well in a pinch, though the flavor and texture will shift slightly.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind this may make the sauce a bit thinner.
These variations help keep this recipe fresh and fun while allowing you to make it your own.
How to Serve
This creamy Cajun beef pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with simple sides makes dinner feel extra special.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta perfectly. Try mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon or balsamic dressing.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread. The buttery, toasty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans work beautifully here, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Light Appetizer: Serve with a simple antipasto platter of olives, artichokes, and sliced cured meats if you want to start the meal on a flavorful note.
As for drinks, I like to keep it simple, water with lemon or iced tea complements the meal without overpowering it. For a cozy family dinner, sometimes a sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice makes things feel a bit festive.
Recipe Tips
Here are some mom-tested tips to get this recipe just right every time:
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic really makes a difference in the sauce’s flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic from a jar if possible.
- Don’t Skip Reserving Pasta Water: That starchy water is magic. It helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much and helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce, so keep an eye on the clock and taste early.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go. The cheeses add saltiness, so start light on salt and adjust at the end.
- Low and Slow for the Sauce: When adding cheese to the cream, keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
- Make Ahead and Reheat: This dish reheats well. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
Cooking Notes
- Always use whole milk or heavy cream for the richest and creamiest sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water or chicken broth a little at a time.
- Don’t rush cooking the ground beef. Let it brown well for maximum flavor.
- Be gentle when tossing pasta in the sauce to avoid breaking noodles.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese because it doesn’t have anti-caking agents.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 850 per serving
- Protein: Around 45 grams
- Sodium: Moderate, adjust with low-sodium broth if needed
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently over medium heat.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly when thawed, especially the pasta. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta slightly less than al dente initially.
What if I don’t have Velveeta?
You can substitute with extra cream cheese and cheddar or mozzarella. The sauce may not be as silky but will still be delicious.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground beef substitute, and keep all other ingredients the same.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is one of those dinners I keep coming back to. It’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor, the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy without a ton of effort. I love how the creamy garlic sauce coats every bite of pasta, and that little Cajun kick adds just enough excitement without being too spicy for the kids.
It’s also super flexible. Some nights I’ll toss in a handful of spinach or bell peppers, and nobody even notices. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully, honestly, it might taste even better the next day. This one’s perfect for busy evenings or even when you’re hosting something casual and want to serve a dish that feels cozy and homemade.
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Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Start by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This will help adjust your sauce later if it’s too thick.
Step 2: While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it browns. Cook until the beef is fully browned with no pink left, about 7 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Once the beef is cooked through, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so every bit of beef is coated with the spices. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so until fragrant.
Step 4: Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Now add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and gooey. If the sauce is thicker than you’d like, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Return the cooked bowtie pasta and seasoned beef to the skillet. Toss everything gently together so the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the luscious garlic cream sauce. Let it simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes to meld all the flavors.
Step 7: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat. Serve immediately, offering extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want a cheesier bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 850
- Protein: 45