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Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream


  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Get ready to fall in love with this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream—a quick dinner idea that’s full of bold, comforting flavors. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or hearty leftovers, this creamy, cheesy pasta is balanced by seasoned Cajun-style ground beef and rich garlic sauce. It’s one of the best easy recipes for anyone craving bold dinner ideas that don’t take hours to make. A top pick for food ideas, quick meals, or even a cozy healthy-ish snack when portioned right.


Ingredients

Scale

12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

1 lb ground beef

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

2 tbsp butter

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the Cajun seasoning. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors infuse the meat.

4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously. Gradually add mozzarella and parmesan, whisking until melted and smooth.

6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Add the cooked pasta to the garlic cream sauce and toss until evenly coated.

8. Spoon the cheesy pasta onto plates, then top with the seasoned Cajun ground beef.

9. Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce that melts beautifully—pre-shredded tends to clump.

If your sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it.

For extra creaminess or larger portions, consider doubling the garlic cream sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American / Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 710mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: cheesy pasta, Cajun beef pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, food ideas, garlic cream pasta