Rich, comforting, and just the right amount of spicy, this cheesy bowtie pasta is a weeknight dream come true. Imagine tender pasta hugging a luscious garlic cream sauce, all wrapped around crumbles of deeply seasoned Cajun ground beef. It has the cozy, soul-hugging flavors of a homemade meal with a bold Southern twist.

Every bite is balanced: the heat of Cajun spice tamed by the mellow cream, the slight chew of bowtie pasta meeting the richness of melted cheese, and the savory umami of seared beef. Whether you’re looking to wow a crowd or indulge your inner foodie on a quiet night in, this dish delivers flavor in every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Beef

You’ll fall for how easy it is to bring restaurant-level flavor to your kitchen with everyday ingredients. It’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty dinner or as a potluck crowd-pleaser. The garlic cream sauce clings perfectly to the nooks of the bowtie pasta, and the Cajun beef adds an exciting, smoky edge that turns this pasta into something unforgettable.

Even picky eaters will ask for seconds. And if you’re into meal prepping, this reheats like a charm, making it ideal for batch cooking.

What Kind of Bowtie Pasta Should I Use?

Classic dried bowtie pasta, also called farfalle, works beautifully here. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to the beef and the thick sauce. If you can find bronze-cut farfalle, it will grab even more of that garlic cream for maximum flavor. Whole wheat or gluten-free versions work well too if dietary needs call for it. Just be sure to cook it al dente—it’ll finish softening when tossed with the sauce.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

The beauty of this dish is how simple the ingredients are, yet how bold the end result tastes. These basic components come together to create a flavor-packed, hearty meal the whole family will love.

Bowtie pasta
Ground beef
Cajun seasoning
Garlic cloves
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Butter
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Fresh parsley (optional)

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream 2

How To Make the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a bit of the pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Cajun Beef

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart. Season generously with Cajun seasoning and cook until browned and slightly crispy at the edges.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In another large pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, add cream cheese, and whisk until smooth. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and silky.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir well. Add the cooked beef and mix until combined. Use a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Plate the pasta hot and sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley for a finishing touch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

It might seem like a straightforward dish, but there are a few easy missteps that could throw it off. Don’t overcook the pasta—it’ll get mushy fast, especially once mixed with the sauce. When browning the beef, make sure it’s fully seared for deep flavor; don’t rush it. Resist the urge to skip the cream cheese—it gives the sauce its dreamy, velvety body. And go easy on the salt until after the Cajun seasoning is added—some blends are already quite salty.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Pasta

This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes and sides. It’s best served hot right out of the skillet, but it holds up well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

If you’re prepping it ahead of time, you can keep the components separate (sauce, beef, pasta) and mix them when ready to serve.

What to Serve With Cheesy Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

The obvious and delicious choice. Something crusty and golden to mop up every bit of sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light vinaigrette-dressed salad cuts through the creaminess and brings some freshness to the table.

Roasted Broccoli

Charred edges and earthy flavor make it a bold companion.

Grilled Corn

Sweet, smoky corn on the cob or in a salad adds a summer-like contrast.

Sauteed Spinach

Toss it quickly with olive oil and garlic for a healthy, quick side.

Pickled Veggies

Especially if your Cajun seasoning has a kick, something tangy helps balance the heat.

Herbed Rice

If you’re serving a crowd, an herbed rice pilaf can help stretch this dish while complementing its bold flavors.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this creamy Cajun pasta hit the spot, you might fall for these other irresistible pasta dishes from the blog:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a sun-dried tomato twist.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for layers of garlic and parmesan goodness.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach that brings surf to your comfort food game.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for an ultra-savory experience.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini that practically makes itself.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add veggies or tweak the heat? Maybe tried it with turkey instead of beef?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and treats on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dinner inspirations!

Conclusion

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is the perfect storm of bold, creamy, comforting, and hearty. It brings together flavors you already love with a playful edge that makes it unforgettable. Whether it’s a solo night in, a family dinner, or something to impress at the table, this one’s guaranteed to leave empty plates behind.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Beef

What Kind of Bowtie Pasta Should I Use?

Ingredients for the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream