Description
Looking for bold dinner ideas that bring both comfort and spice to the table? This Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is a must-try! It’s a delicious mix of smoky Cajun beef, tender pasta, and a rich cheese sauce made from mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. Perfect for an easy dinner, cozy weekend meal, or indulgent food idea for guests, this easy recipe is ready to impress. Whether you’re after a quick dinner or just craving something cheesy and flavorful, this dish delivers. It also makes a great leftover option—if you even have any!
Ingredients
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
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra parmesan cheese (optional topping)
Dash of Cajun seasoning (optional topping)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
2. In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Toast the spices for 1 minute.
5. Add tomato paste, beef broth, heavy cream, and butter. Let the sauce simmer for 5–6 minutes to thicken.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
7. In a separate bowl, mix mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, 1/3 cup heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
8. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta in the skillet. Optionally sprinkle with more cheese and Cajun seasoning.
9. Broil for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let it rest a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth and creamy sauce—avoid pre-shredded blends when possible.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference; it’s easy to scale up or down.
Don’t forget to reserve pasta water—it’s a natural thickener and helps bind the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, creamy pasta, cajun spaghetti, cheesy pasta