Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties is one of those recipes that quietly became a regular in my kitchen because it delivers serious flavor without a lot of effort. The combination of a silky, spiced cream cheese sauce and boldly seasoned ground beef tossed with tender bowtie pasta is the kind of thing that genuinely surprises people the first time they try it.

I came up with this on a night when I had ground beef that needed to be used and a block of cream cheese sitting in the fridge. I figured, what is the worst that could happen? Turns out it became one of the most-requested meals in my house. The Cajun seasoning brings just enough heat to wake things up, and the cream cheese melts into the sauce in a way that makes it feel almost luxurious. This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe is the kind of creamy pasta dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with basic pantry ingredients in about 30 minutes.

Everything You Need for This Cajun Bowtie Pasta

I always set out every ingredient before I turn on the stove because this recipe moves quickly once the pan gets hot. Pro tip: do not skip softening the cream cheese ahead of time. A cold block will not melt smoothly and you will end up with white lumps in the sauce no matter how hard you stir.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened fully at room temperature for at least 20 to 30 minutes
• 1 cup heavy cream (for a lighter result, half-and-half works, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated if you have it – the pre-shredded kind has coatings that make it clump
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (I reach for Tony Chachere’s but any blend works)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more if you want real heat
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Personal note: If you want to stretch this into a more complete meal, add a handful of baby spinach or diced bell peppers right before the pasta goes in. They wilt quickly and blend right into the sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties

I prefer to read through all the steps before starting because the sauce stage moves fast and you want to be ready. Here is exactly how I make this creamy pasta dinner every time:

Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions, but pull it just before it is fully done – al dente, with a slight bite. It will finish softening in the warm sauce. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse it.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up constantly with a wooden spoon, until it is browned all the way through with no pink remaining. Carefully drain off the excess fat, leaving just a thin coat in the pan for flavor.

Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and just starting to turn translucent at the edges. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for one more minute. You will know it is ready when the spices bloom and the whole kitchen smells incredible.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. This step matters more than it seems. Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce looks smooth and glossy. If you see small lumps, keep stirring patiently over low heat and they will dissolve. Do not raise the heat to speed this up or the sauce can break and turn grainy.

Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. The sauce should be thick, creamy, and deeply flavored at this point. If it tastes flat, a pinch more Cajun seasoning usually fixes it.

Step 6: Add the drained bowtie pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, and toss again.

Step 7: Plate and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce is still silky and loose.

Sides That Go Perfectly With This Cajun Cream Cheese Pasta Dinner

This dish is rich and spicy, so the best sides for Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties are things that are simple, crisp, or slightly cooling.

Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery, and perfect for scooping up the extra sauce left in the bowl. It is the most natural pairing and guests always love it.

Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A bright, acidic dressing cuts cleanly through the richness of the cream cheese alfredo sauce and keeps the whole plate feeling balanced.

Roasted Broccoli: The slight char and nuttiness of roasted broccoli complements the smoky, spiced Cajun flavors without competing with them.

Crusty French Bread: Works just like garlic bread but with a chewier crumb. Great for a more casual, rustic table.

Steamed Green Beans: Light, clean, and simple. They add color and nutrition without pulling attention away from the pasta.

More Creamy Pasta Dinners and Bold Weeknight Recipes to Try

If you loved the bold, spicy flavors in this Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe, there are plenty more satisfying pasta and skillet dinners to explore. For another rich and hearty pasta night, the Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef is a natural follow-up that uses the same pasta shape with a buttery, savory sauce. The Creamy Paprika Steak Shells brings similar creamy, spiced energy with a different cut of meat, and the One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta is perfect for nights when cleanup needs to be even easier.

For a full Cajun-inspired dinner spread, pair this bowtie pasta with a bowl of smoky Cajun Potato Soup as a starter, or keep the spice going with Cajun Chicken for a protein-forward weeknight plate. The Easy One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo is another great Cajun alfredo variation worth bookmarking if this flavor profile is a favorite at the table.

How to Store and Reheat Your Leftover Cajun Bowtie Pasta

Leftovers from this Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe keep well in the refrigerator. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

To reheat, I recommend the stovetop over the microwave. Add the leftover pasta to a skillet over low heat and stir in a small splash of milk, cream, or even water as it warms up. This brings the sauce back to its original creamy consistency. The microwave can work in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds and keep the heat low, otherwise the cream-based sauce separates and the texture suffers.

Pro tip: This is not a recipe that freezes well. Cream-based sauces almost always separate and turn grainy once thawed, and the pasta becomes mushy. Make it fresh and enjoy it within a few days for the best result.

Common Questions About Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties

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