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Delicious Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

Zesty Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender bowtie pasta with a creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce and savory ground beef. Inspired by New Orleans cuisine, this meal offers a delightful blend of spices, creamy textures, and hearty components perfect for elevating weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Meat

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Seasonings

  • 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
  • Pinch of salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup beef broth, divided
  • 1/4 cup non-alcoholic cooking liquid (or additional beef broth)
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • Olive oil as needed (about 1 tablespoon)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned. Drain excess grease, leaving a little for flavor. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the beef and stir well. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Holy Trinity: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed and reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Garlic and Deglaze: Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup non-alcoholic cooking liquid or beef broth. Scrape browned bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
  5. Build the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and 1/2 cup beef broth until combined and smooth. Stir in another 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring sauce to gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
  6. Melt in the Parmesan: Slowly stir in grated Parmesan cheese, handful by handful, until fully melted and sauce is thick and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Combine Everything: Return cooked ground beef to skillet with sauce. Add drained bowtie pasta. Toss gently until pasta and beef are well coated in the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
  8. Serve Immediately: Dish out hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water helps to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick and improves sauce adhesion to pasta.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but sauce will be less creamy.
  • Using fresh parsley as garnish adds a fresh herbal note and color contrast.
  • Ensure to taste and adjust salt since broth and cheeses can add sodium.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/zesty-cajun-cream-cheese-alfredo-bowties-with-spiced-beef-recipe/