Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Indulgent, rich, and bursting with bold Southern flavor, this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is where comfort food meets a little fiery flair. Perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti is layered beneath a deeply savory Cajun-spiced beef ragù and smothered in a molten mix of parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar. The result? A skillet of cheesy, spicy, saucy magic that delivers a satisfying bite every single time.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to elevate your weeknight pasta routine, this dish has the wow-factor and soul-warming depth you crave. The creaminess of the cheese blends seamlessly with the bold Cajun flavors, while the ground beef adds a hearty touch that makes every forkful rich and filling.

---

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

• Cheesy, creamy, and packed with heat – the trifecta of comfort food dreams.
• The Cajun seasoning adds smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
• Easy to prepare in one skillet and oven-safe for cheesy melt perfection.
• Great for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or an indulgent family dinner.
• The three-cheese combo creates a gooey, golden topping that feels gourmet.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and Their Importance)

Before diving into the deliciousness of this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce, setting up your kitchen workspace with the right tools is key to a smooth cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters:

• 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Pan: This is essential for building flavor and finishing the dish under the broiler. The skillet helps develop a flavorful crust on the beef and keeps the cheese bubbly and browned in the oven.
• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: You’ll need this to cook your spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente. A roomy pot helps prevent clumping.
• Colander: For draining your cooked pasta with ease—don’t rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce stick better.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking down the beef while browning and for stirring the sauce without damaging the pan.
• Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded, so a box grater or microplane is a must.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precision is important, especially when dealing with seasoning and cheese ratios.
• Oven Mitts: Safety first—especially when transferring your skillet into and out of the oven.

---

Preparation Tips

• Salt your pasta water generously—it’s your first chance to add flavor to the spaghetti itself.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; you want it slightly firm, as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce.
• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease; if not, drain the fat after browning.
• Toast your Cajun seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding the beef—this brings out the oils and intensifies the flavor.
• Let the cheese come to room temperature before mixing—it will melt more evenly into the sauce.
• Reserve a cup of pasta water—you might need it to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

---

Ingredients for this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

To make this ultra-satisfying, flavor-packed dish, gather the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of richness, spice, and creaminess:

For the Pasta and Beef Sauce:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce:

• 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (extra for added creaminess)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra parmesan cheese for topping
• Dash of Cajun seasoning for visual kick

---

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain (don’t rinse) and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent—about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

---

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up using a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

---

Step 4: Spice Things Up

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the beef and toast the spices for about 1 minute.

---

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Add tomato paste to the beef mixture and stir it in. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then add the butter. Simmer the sauce for 5–6 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.

---

Step 6: Toss in the Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly. If the mixture feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.

---

Step 7: Layer the Cheese Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until it becomes a thick cheesy blend.

---

Step 8: Assemble & Bake

Smooth out the spaghetti in the skillet and pour the cheese sauce over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Optional: add a final sprinkle of cheese and Cajun seasoning on top for extra flavor.

Place the skillet under the broiler (or into a 400°F/200°C oven) for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and slightly crispy around the edges.

---

Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven carefully. Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and a bit more parmesan if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet!

---

Notes

• Make it your own: You can swap out the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute to suit your preference.
• Control the heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and chili flakes depending on your spice tolerance. Use a mild Cajun blend if cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.
• Cheese quality matters: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a creamier melt and more natural flavor. It also helps avoid the gritty texture sometimes found in packaged cheese blends.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Remember, the spaghetti will continue to cook slightly once mixed with the hot sauce and baked. Take it off the heat at “al dente” to avoid mushy noodles.
• Skipping the pasta water: This liquid gold helps bind the sauce and pasta together. Don’t throw it all out—reserve at least a cup before draining.
• Too much Cajun spice at once: Cajun seasoning blends can vary widely in heat and saltiness. Start with less, then taste and adjust before adding more.
• Overbaking the cheese layer: A short stint under the broiler is all you need to get it bubbly and golden. Too long, and the cheese can become greasy or tough.
• Uneven cheese distribution: Mix your cheeses thoroughly in the sauce mixture before topping the pasta to ensure every bite is evenly gooey and flavorful.

---

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti?

This bold, cheesy, and spicy pasta dish can easily stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to something truly unforgettable. Think freshness to balance the richness, and crunch to contrast the creamy texture.

8 Tasty Pairing Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread with a Crispy Edge
   A classic, but essential. The buttery crunch of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
2. Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
   Peppery greens and a zesty dressing cut through the richness of the cheese and beef.
3. Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
   Adds a crispy, nutty side that pairs well with the creamy pasta while bringing in a touch of green.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Cajun Butter
   Keeps the Southern theme alive and complements the spices in the dish.
5. Creamy Coleslaw
   The crunchy texture and mild tanginess offer a refreshing counterbalance to the pasta’s warmth and depth.
6. Baked Zucchini Fries
   A lighter side that’s still crispy, savory, and great for dipping in leftover cheese sauce.
7. Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
   Quick and healthy, they add some freshness and a slight bite to the plate.
8. Tomato and Cucumber Salad
   Cool and crisp, this chilled salad refreshes your palate between rich bites of pasta.

---

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce store beautifully and taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture.
• Freezer: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Note that the cheese sauce may separate slightly when thawed—just stir well after reheating.
• Reheating Tips:
  • For microwave: Add a splash of milk or cream and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
  • For stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat with a touch of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
  • Oven method: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — assuming 6 servings)

Please note these are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes:

• Calories: ~610 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg

This meal is hearty and satisfying, offering a balance of protein and fats, but can be lightened by using reduced-fat cheese and leaner meat if desired.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta besides spaghetti?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work well. Just be sure to cook them al dente and adjust cooking times accordingly.

2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can easily make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix and adjust to taste!

3. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake at 375°F (190°C) until hot and bubbly—add 5–10 minutes to baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

4. How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate kick. For milder heat, use a mild Cajun blend and omit chili flakes. To turn it up, add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

5. Can I substitute the beef for something else?

Definitely. Try ground turkey, chicken, spicy sausage, or a meatless alternative like lentils or plant-based crumbles.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written. But you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti and checking that your Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten-free.

7. What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have all three?

If needed, you can use just mozzarella and parmesan, or even a pre-shredded cheese blend. Just ensure at least one is sharp (like cheddar or parmesan) to balance the richness.

8. Can I make this without baking it?

Yes—skip the oven step and mix the cheese sauce directly into the pasta on the stovetop. It won’t get that golden crust, but it’ll still be delicious and creamy.

---

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort-meets-spice pasta dish that checks every box: bold flavor, melty cheese, hearty protein, and just the right kick of Cajun heat. It’s simple enough for a cozy dinner at home yet impressive enough to serve guests. With flexible ingredients and customizable spice levels, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Whether you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner idea, a cozy weekend meal, or just something new to spice up your pasta game, this dish delivers every time—with gooey, cheesy, savory satisfaction in every bite.

---

Print