Hearty Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Beef (Print Version)

Hearty Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef. A rich, flavorful pasta dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American (Cajun-inspired)
Dietary: Contains dairy, meat, gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Protein Base

01 - 12 oz farfalle pasta
02 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)

→ Flavor Boosters & Aromatics

03 - 1 yellow onion, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1 ½ cups heavy cream
09 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
10 - ½ cup chicken broth

→ Finishing Touches

11 - Salt and black pepper to taste
12 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that pasta water going! Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt – seriously, make it taste like the ocean – and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your farfalle and cook according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. I always set a timer, because I've definitely overcooked pasta more times than I care to admit. Drain it, but don't rinse! We want that starchy water to help the sauce cling later. Set it aside for a bit.
02 - While your pasta is doing its thing, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook it until it's beautifully browned all over, no pink bits left! This usually takes me about 5-7 minutes. Once it's done, drain off any excess grease. Honestly, sometimes I get a little distracted and let it get *too* crispy, but even then, it still tastes pretty good in these Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add your chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until it starts to soften and turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in your minced garlic and the Cajun seasoning. Oh, the smell at this point! It's warm, it's spicy, it's just so inviting. Cook for another minute, letting those spices bloom, but be careful not to burn the garlic – that's a mistake I've made too many times, and it makes everything bitter!
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's where all the flavor lives! Let it simmer for a minute, then reduce the heat to low. Now, for the magic: add the cream cheese and butter. Stir constantly, letting them slowly melt into a smooth, creamy base. This is where patience is key; don't rush it, or you'll end up with lumps, and nobody wants lumpy Alfredo for their Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties.
05 - Once the cream cheese and butter are fully melted and combined, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring all the while. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is thick and luxurious. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Taste it! Does it need more kick? More salt? This is *your* kitchen, so adjust it until it sings to you. I always go a little heavy on the black pepper myself.
06 - Finally, add your cooked farfalle pasta back into the skillet with the sauce and spiced beef. Toss everything together gently until every single bowtie is coated in that glorious, creamy Cajun Alfredo. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible, trust me! Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It should look rich, feel comforting, and taste like a warm embrace. Enjoy your homemade Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook your pasta; al dente is key for this dish, seriously!
02 - Leftovers store great, but you might need a splash of milk when reheating the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties.
03 - Chicken sausage or shrimp can swap for beef if you're feeling adventurous with your Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties.
04 - A sprinkle of green onions gives a nice fresh bite and a little extra flair.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - large skillet or Dutch oven
03 - whisk
04 - spatula
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 750 Calories
Total Fat: 45g Fat
Total Carbohydrate: 55g Carbs
Protein: 35g Protein

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