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Cajun Beef Alfredo Bowties: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal

Cajun Beef Alfredo Bowties: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal

This Cajun Beef Alfredo Bowties recipe is the ultimate weeknight solution when you need a bold, comforting meal in under 30 minutes. By swirling creamy cream cheese and savory Parmesan with zesty Cajun spices and hearty ground beef, we transform standard pasta into a high-flavor feast. It is the perfect balance of heat and creaminess that the whole family will request on repeat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American/Cajun
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta dry
  • 1 pound ground beef lean
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half liquid
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons pasta water reserved

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • whisk
  • Colander
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente.
  2. Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the noodles.
  3. Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef.
  4. Season the beef with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until crispy and cooked through.
  5. Remove the beef from the pan and melt the remaining butter to sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds.
  6. Whisk in the softened cream cheese and milk gradually until the sauce is smooth and simmering.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning, allowing the sauce to thicken for three minutes.
  8. Fold the beef and cooked pasta into the sauce, adding splashes of reserved water to reach your desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately while hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce. For a lower-fat version, use 2% milk and lean ground sirloin, ensuring the cream cheese is fully softened before whisking to prevent any lumps in your sauce.