Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream Recipe
This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is a comforting and flavorful dish combining perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with spicy Cajun-seasoned ground beef, all enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic sauce enhanced by cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. A quick and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it up with a spoon. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the beef and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the cream slightly thickens.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with the sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the cooked Cajun beef to the skillet, add the drained bowtie pasta, and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley can be swapped with fresh basil or chives for a different herbal note.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency for a smoother coating.
- Make sure not to overcook pasta to maintain an al dente texture that holds up well in the creamy sauce.
Keywords: cheesy pasta, Cajun beef, bowtie pasta, creamy garlic sauce, weeknight dinner, comfort food
