Imagine the silky comfort of Alfredo sauce, the bold heat of Cajun seasoning, and tender bowtie pasta all wrapped around savory spiced ground beef. Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is the kind of weeknight meal that delivers both richness and a kick of spice. It’s hearty, deeply flavorful, and hits all the right notes for something different yet comfortingly familiar.

The combination of cream cheese and Cajun seasoning gives the Alfredo sauce a luscious texture and just enough warmth to wake up your tastebuds. Add in that perfectly seasoned beef and al dente bowtie pasta, and you’ve got a one-pan masterpiece that feels indulgent without being over the top. Whether you’re craving a spicy twist on a creamy classic or looking for something to feed hungry mouths fast, this dish is bound to earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.

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

This dish takes traditional Alfredo and transforms it with a flavorful Cajun punch. It’s quick to make but delivers restaurant-level satisfaction at home. The use of cream cheese in the sauce ensures a velvety smooth finish, while the Cajun spices balance creaminess with heat. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect for a casual family dinner or for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta for This Dish?

Absolutely. While bowties are great at holding onto the creamy sauce in their ruffled edges, other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine also work well. Choose a pasta that has ridges or nooks to catch the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, even spaghetti or rotini will do. The real star of the show is the Cajun Alfredo sauce and the savory spiced beef.

Ingredients for the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

When it comes to building big flavor, it starts with simple, smart ingredient choices. Each one in this recipe adds its own punch of flavor or texture, and when combined, they create a dinner that feels gourmet with minimal effort.

Bowtie pasta
Ground beef
Cream cheese
Heavy cream
Butter
Garlic cloves
Cajun seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

How To Make the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add cream cheese and stir until it begins to melt and blend with the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and the rest of the Cajun seasoning. Stir well, letting the cream cheese fully melt and combine. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Finish the Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked bowtie pasta and spiced beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spiced bite.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Getting this dish right is easy, but there are a few simple missteps that can throw things off. One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking the pasta. You want it to be al dente, so it still has a bit of bite once it gets mixed into the creamy sauce. Another is not draining enough fat from the ground beef if it’s too greasy. Too much leftover fat can make the sauce oily instead of silky.

Also, don’t rush melting the cream cheese. Give it time to break down slowly and melt into the butter and garlic before adding cream. If it’s still chunky, your sauce won’t be smooth. And when seasoning, start light with Cajun spice. It’s easier to add heat than fix an overpowering burn.

Serving and Storing This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

This recipe makes enough for 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or for meal-prepping lunches. Serve it straight out of the pan while it’s hot and creamy. The pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully as it sits, making leftovers even more flavorful.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce back up. It microwaves well or can be reheated gently on the stove.

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

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, garlic bread is a perfect partner for soaking up that creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Its charred edges and slight bitterness help balance the creamy, spicy flavors.

Cornbread

Slightly sweet and dense, cornbread makes a hearty and Southern-inspired pairing.

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly charred and seasoned, zucchini adds a fresh, healthy bite to the meal.

Pickled Jalapeños

A little tangy and spicy, they can be served on the side for extra heat.

Steamed Green Beans

Tossed in butter and lemon juice, they bring brightness and crunch.

Sparkling Water with Lime

A refreshing drink to cool the heat and cleanse the palate.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If this spicy Alfredo bowtie dish is your kind of comfort food, you’ll love exploring more pasta recipes that combine creamy sauces with bold flavors. Here are some delicious options from Nina Dishes:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with a silky garlic-infused sauce that pairs well with pasta.

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for rich tomato and cream with sun-dried tomato notes.

• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re craving something hearty and garlic-packed.

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce to keep things rich and simple with comforting rotini.

• Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta for a cheesy, meaty baked option the whole family will love.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it when you need a bold and creamy pasta idea.

Let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Did you go heavy on the Cajun spice? Swap the beef for chicken? I love hearing the creative spins readers bring to these dishes.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, spicy dinner ideas, and indulgent desserts on Nina Dishes on Pinterest. You might just find your next favorite dish!

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

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

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta for This Dish?

Ingredients for the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef