Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Posted on January 19, 2026

introduction

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is a cozy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that combines creamy comfort with a spicy kick. This recipe balances rich cream cheese and Parmesan with bold Cajun seasoning for a family-friendly pasta everyone will ask for again. For a bright, easy appetizer idea to pair with this dish, try the cranberry feta pinwheels with cream cheese for a sweet-salty contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef:

Bold, creamy flavor with a gentle Cajun kick everyone loves
Ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights
Great for meal prep and reheats well for lunches
Family-friendly and easy to customize for picky eaters
One-pan sauce with minimal cleanup

Ingredients Needed :

Pasta

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Protein

1 lb ground beef

Sauce & Dairy

4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics & Veg

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasoning

1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Oils & Finishing

1–2 tbsp olive oil
Additional grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
Reduce the heat and add cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and well combined.
Mix in the cooked bowtie pasta and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans make a bright, healthy side.
Offer warm garlic bread or crusty French bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
Top with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for color and freshness.

Tips for Success Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Soften cream cheese before cooking so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning gradually — start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed.
Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining; add a splash if sauce feels too thick.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melty texture and flavor.
Brown the beef well for deeper flavor—don’t rush this step.

variation (if any)

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra veggies.
Make it lighter: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cream cheese by 1–2 oz.
Kick the heat up: stir in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

A: Yes — store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef?

A: It’s best to freeze the cooked beef and sauce separately from pasta. Reheat sauce slowly and toss with freshly cooked pasta after thawing for best texture.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version?

A: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps.

Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese?

A: For a similar creamy texture, try mascarpone or a mixture of Greek yogurt and a small amount of butter, but expect a slightly different tang.