Name: Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz cream cheese; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella); 2 tbsp butter; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

When I first threw this dish together, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a hit. I had leftover ground beef, a block of cream cheese, and some bowtie pasta in the pantry — the usual “what do I make tonight?” scenario. But once I added a generous sprinkle of Cajun seasoning and let that creamy sauce hug every corner of the pasta, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. The smokiness of the spices mixed with the richness of the cream cheese Alfredo sauce created a comforting yet bold dish that keeps showing up in my weeknight rotation.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll crave on a chilly night or when you’re just in the mood for something ultra-satisfying. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfectly spiced without going overboard. Best of all, it comes together quickly in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. If you’ve got 30 minutes, you’ve got this dinner.

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

Bold Cajun flavor: Smoky, garlicky, and slightly spicy — the Cajun seasoning takes it to another level.
Creamy indulgence: The cream cheese Alfredo sauce is unbelievably smooth and coats every bowtie perfectly.
Quick and easy: Simple ingredients, one pan, and minimal prep time make this a weeknight winner.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters go for seconds. The spice level is adjustable for all palates.
Leftovers reheat beautifully: It tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef?

While I chose bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) for this dish, you can definitely switch it up depending on what you have on hand. Bowties hold the creamy sauce well and give each bite a great texture. Their little “pockets” also trap bits of beef and sauce, making every forkful satisfying.

That said, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini are all great substitutes. I’ve tried this with fettuccine too, and while it’s a bit heavier, the long noodles still soak up the sauce beautifully. Just avoid super thin pastas like angel hair, which can get too soft and overwhelmed by the rich sauce.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate pantry swaps or dietary preferences:

Ground Beef → Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter version. Italian sausage also adds a savory twist.
Cream Cheese → Swap with mascarpone or a full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier, slightly healthier take.
Cajun Seasoning → You can make your own mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and dried thyme. Or use Creole seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile.
Alfredo Base → If you’re out of cream cheese, a blend of heavy cream and grated Parmesan works as a creamy stand-in.
Cheese on Top → Cheddar and Monterey Jack are melty favorites, but mozzarella or pepper jack adds a nice stretch and spice.

With a few smart swaps, you can make this dish work with whatever you’ve got — and it’ll still come out delicious.

Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
These fun, pinched noodles hold onto the sauce in just the right way, giving you a perfect bite every time.
Ground Beef
Rich, savory, and filling — it’s the protein backbone of the dish. Go for 80/20 for flavor or leaner if you prefer.
Cream Cheese
The creamy heart of the sauce. It melts down into a smooth, tangy base that blends perfectly with the Cajun spices.
Cajun Seasoning
Adds that smoky heat and deep flavor. It’s the secret to making this dish feel like more than just pasta with meat sauce.
Garlic (Minced)
A fragrant flavor booster that builds depth into the sauce. Fresh or jarred works.
Onion (Chopped)
Sautéed until soft, onion adds sweetness and another layer of savory flavor to the beef.
Heavy Cream
It smooths out the sauce and gives it that signature Alfredo richness.
Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella)
Melts into the sauce and over the top for that gooey, golden finish. A mix of cheeses adds extra dimension.
Butter
Used to sauté and to enrich the cream sauce — a little goes a long way.
Salt & Black Pepper
To taste, balancing the bold Cajun flavor and enhancing the overall dish.
Fresh Parsley (Optional for Garnish)
Adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to contrast the creamy, spicy sauce.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, then season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Stir well and transfer to a bowl temporarily.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until it begins to melt. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully combined and smooth. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine

Stir in half of the shredded cheese into the sauce until melted. Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet, then toss in the drained bowtie pasta. Mix everything gently, coating the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time if the sauce needs thinning.

Step 6: Top and Melt

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat to melt the cheese. You can also pop it under a broiler for a bubbly, golden top if your skillet is oven-safe.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot right from the skillet.

How Long to Cook Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Here’s the timing breakdown:

Pasta Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Ground Beef Browning: 6–8 minutes
Sauce Preparation: 8–10 minutes
Final Assembly & Cheese Melt: 3–5 minutes

Total cook time: About 30 minutes from start to finish.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts faster and blends more smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente is key so it doesn’t get mushy once it’s mixed with the sauce.
Toast your Cajun seasoning in the pan with butter for 30 seconds before adding cream cheese to deepen its flavor.
Reserve pasta water and add it a little at a time to adjust sauce thickness — it helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
Mix cheeses for a more flavorful finish — cheddar gives sharpness, Monterey Jack adds creaminess, and mozzarella gives that melt.
Broil the top for 1–2 minutes for a golden cheesy crust (optional, but worth it).
Taste as you go — Cajun blends vary in saltiness and spice, so adjust to your preference.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the pasta water: It’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce. Without it, your Alfredo might end up too thick or too sticky.
Overcooking the ground beef: Dry beef can make the dish feel heavy. Cook until just browned and juicy.
Adding cream cheese all at once: This can make it clump. Cut it into smaller chunks and stir slowly over low heat.
Using too much Cajun seasoning: It’s powerful. Start small and build up the heat. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Rushing the sauce: Let the cream and cheese melt gradually for a silky, rich texture.
Forgetting to taste: Every Cajun blend is different. Taste and balance with salt, pepper, or a touch of sugar if needed.
Not draining fat from the beef: Too much grease can throw off the texture and flavor of the final dish.

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

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

Cajun Roasted Corn

Spiced corn with lime and a sprinkle of cotija brings smoky-sweet flavor and ties in with the Cajun theme.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted asparagus with lemon zest and Parmesan adds a bright, citrusy contrast.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Cool and crisp — this salad refreshes your palate between bites of bold pasta.

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

Quick, garlicky, and just enough crunch to complement the soft pasta.

Baked Zucchini Chips

Light, crispy, and cheesy — a great low-carb side to pair with the richness of the dish.

A Glass of Red Wine or Sweet Iced Tea

Depending on the vibe — go bold with a red or keep it Southern and refreshing with iced tea.

Storage Instructions

This dish stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it, though the sauce may slightly change texture. Use a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: 580
Protein: 27g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 760mg
Cholesterol: 110mg

Note: These values may vary depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the sauce?

You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone, ricotta, or even a mix of heavy cream and Parmesan for a classic Alfredo vibe.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some blends are mild, others pack heat. Start with less and adjust to taste if you’re unsure.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a day in advance. Just reheat gently and add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.

Will this work with gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free bowtie or short pasta and cook according to the package directions.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

Use a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir it in slowly until you reach the right consistency.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli all make great additions without overpowering the dish.

What type of cheese works best on top?

A combo of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melt and flavor. Mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy pull.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the ground beef and bulk up the sauce with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein.

Conclusion

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is comfort food with an irresistible kick. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold flavors, it brings together everything you love about pasta night — but with a Cajun twist that makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is quick, hearty, and satisfying every single time. Plus, it’s flexible enough for substitutions, reheats like a dream, and doesn’t require a ton of cleanup. Win, win, win.