Description
If you’re craving a rich, satisfying, and flavor-loaded dish, this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream delivers every time. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for weeknights, family meals, or when you’re short on time but want something indulgent. Juicy Cajun-seasoned beef meets creamy garlic sauce and melty cheese, all wrapped around tender bowtie pasta. Whether you’re after an easy recipe, a bold comfort food fix, or fun new dinner ideas, this dish checks every box.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 more minutes, then set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Pour in the heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce gets too thick.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the pasta with Cajun beef either mixed in or layered on top. Garnish with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra parmesan.
8. Enjoy warm and creamy with your favorite side or salad.
Notes
Always use freshly grated cheese for the best texture—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t skip salting your pasta water—this step builds the base of your seasoning.
If making ahead, store the sauce and beef separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy recipe, bowtie pasta, ground beef dinner, garlic cream sauce, quick weeknight meal