Name: Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American/Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup milk or half-and-half; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)

I love playing with fusion recipes that bring bold flavors to comfort classics—and Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef hits that perfect spot between indulgent and exciting. It all started when I had leftover bowtie pasta, a half block of cream cheese, and a craving for something with a Southern kick. Instead of reaching for a jar of pasta sauce, I pulled together a Cajun-inspired Alfredo that turned out so rich, creamy, and full of flavor, it instantly became a go-to dish in my kitchen.

The ground beef, seasoned with smoky paprika, cayenne, garlic, and a little oregano, adds a layer of heartiness that pairs beautifully with the silky, spiced Alfredo sauce. Bowtie pasta works great here—not just for the look, but because those little folds catch the sauce in all the right ways. It’s a dish that tastes like something you’d get at a cozy restaurant but is totally achievable in a weeknight kitchen.

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

Comfort food with a twist: This isn’t your standard Alfredo—it’s got heat, depth, and a personality all its own thanks to the Cajun seasoning and cream cheese blend.

Easy weeknight dinner: Even with the layered flavors, the recipe comes together quickly and uses pantry staples.
Versatile and satisfying: You can easily tweak it to fit what you have on hand or your spice tolerance, and it’s filling enough to stand on its own.
Family-approved: It’s a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters, and the flavors are bold without being overpowering.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo?

While I love bowtie (farfalle) pasta for this dish, you’re not locked into using it. Bowties hold creamy sauces well and look great on the plate, but penne, rotini, or even fettuccine would also soak up that Cajun Alfredo just fine. The key is to choose a shape that has ridges or folds to trap that velvety sauce and bits of spiced beef. If you’re going low-carb or gluten-free, zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta can be great swaps too—just adjust your cook time accordingly.

Options for Substitutions

Ground beef: You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re aiming for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Cream cheese: If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone or a splash of heavy cream with some grated parmesan can step in. It won’t have the same tang, but it’ll still give you a rich base.

Cajun seasoning: No Cajun blend on hand? Make a quick mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne.
Milk or cream: Use half-and-half, whole milk, or even unsweetened almond milk depending on your preference. Just remember, the creamier the liquid, the richer the final sauce.
Cheese: Parmesan is the classic finish, but shredded mozzarella or even sharp white cheddar can give it a different flavor kick.

Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The shape traps the creamy sauce beautifully and gives the dish visual appeal.
Ground Beef: Adds savory depth and makes the meal hearty and satisfying. Go for 85/15 for a balance of flavor and less grease.
Cream Cheese: The secret to that silky, tangy Alfredo base with a rich mouthfeel.

Milk or Half-and-Half: Helps thin the sauce while keeping it luscious and creamy—choose depending on how rich you want it.
Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Brings salty, nutty sharpness that balances out the creaminess.
Butter: Used to sauté the spices and beef, and adds richness to the sauce.

Garlic (Minced): Essential for aromatics and depth of flavor—it brings the whole dish to life.
Cajun Seasoning: Packs the punch with paprika, cayenne, thyme, and more. The core flavor builder.
Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance and balance the flavors across the dish.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For an extra kick if you love your Cajun dishes spicy.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Spiced Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the beef is fully browned and slightly crispy around the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving behind any flavorful drippings.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cream cheese and stir until it starts to melt into the butter and garlic. Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half, creating a smooth, creamy base.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Season

Once the sauce is smooth, stir in the grated Parmesan and the rest of the Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if you want it hotter.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, followed by the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate it up immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and heat.

How Long to Cook Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes:

Boiling pasta: 10–12 minutes

Cooking the beef: 6–8 minutes
Making the sauce & combining: 10 minutes

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something filling, fast, and flavor-packed without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties

Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
Use room-temperature cream cheese: It melts into the sauce more easily and prevents clumping.
Reserve pasta water: A little starchy water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while tossing everything together.

Season the beef generously: Layering flavor from the start makes the dish pop—taste as you go.
Let the sauce simmer, not boil: High heat can cause the cream to break. Keep it on medium to preserve that velvety texture.
Balance the spice: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your personal heat preference.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the seasoning stages: Don’t wait to season at the end. Flavor builds in layers—season the beef, the sauce, and adjust at the finish.
Overheating the sauce: High heat can cause the cream cheese and milk to separate. Keep things at a gentle simmer.
Using cold cream cheese: This can make your sauce lumpy. Let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes or microwave it briefly before adding.

Not draining the beef properly: If your beef is too greasy, it’ll make the sauce feel heavy. Drain excess fat but leave a bit for flavor.
Forgetting to reserve pasta water: You might not need it, but if your sauce thickens too much, it can be a lifesaver for bringing everything together.

What to Serve With Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef?

Garlic Bread

The crispy, buttery edges of garlic bread make the perfect companion to this creamy pasta, ready to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A refreshing counterbalance to the richness—try a mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemony vinaigrette.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed in olive oil and sea salt, roasted broccoli adds color and a crunchy texture that plays well with the pasta.

A Glass of Red or White Wine

For a grown-up pairing, go with a chilled white like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir.

Lemon-Garlic Green Beans

Quick-sautéed with a hint of citrus, these brighten the plate and cut through the creaminess.

Cajun Shrimp Skewers

For a surf-and-turf vibe, serve a few spicy grilled shrimp alongside the pasta.

Iced Tea or Sparkling Water

Sometimes you just want a refreshing sip to tame the spice—these simple drinks keep things crisp and clean.

Storage Instructions

This dish stores well, which makes it ideal for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Refrigerator: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but note that cream cheese sauces may change texture slightly after thawing. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove with a bit of added milk or broth.

Reheating Tip: Avoid high heat—gentle reheating keeps the sauce from separating.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: ~620 kcal

Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 37g

Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 720mg

Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands and exact measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?

You can use any store-bought Cajun blend you like, but check the salt content—some blends are very salty. You can also make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead and reheat it gently before serving. It’s best eaten fresh, but the flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight in the fridge.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat level, depending on your Cajun seasoning and whether you add red pepper flakes. You can easily tone it down or spice it up.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone, heavy cream with extra parmesan, or even ricotta can be used. The texture and flavor will change slightly, but the result will still be rich and creamy.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Try ground turkey, ground chicken, sausage, shrimp, or even a vegetarian meat substitute.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free as well. Everything else should be naturally gluten-free.

How can I make this healthier?

Use leaner protein like ground turkey, reduced-fat cream cheese, and whole wheat or legume-based pasta. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just use a larger pan and make sure you don’t overcrowd it when mixing everything together so the sauce stays silky.

Conclusion

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is the kind of dish that satisfies every craving—creamy, spicy, rich, and comforting, all in one. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it up to impress friends, it delivers bold flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable to your pantry and taste preferences. It’s a recipe worth keeping in rotation—delicious, dependable, and unforgettable.