Description
This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is the ultimate comfort food for your next dinner. With bold Cajun spice, rich garlic cream sauce, and melty cheese coating every bite, this quick dinner recipe brings restaurant-level flavor to your table in just over 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying family dinners, or comfort food cravings. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a creamy pasta dish, or a new way to spice up ground beef, this one-skillet meal delivers on flavor, simplicity, and pure indulgence.
Ingredients
340g bowtie pasta
450g ground beef (85/15)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10–11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes, seasoning with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Reduce heat to low and slowly add the cheddar and Parmesan, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
6. Return the beef and pasta to the skillet. Stir until everything is fully coated in the sauce and heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley, if using, and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce—pre-shredded can turn grainy.
If your Cajun seasoning is very spicy, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
Save some pasta water before draining—it can help fix a thick sauce later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 730
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, cajun pasta, bowtie pasta, ground beef pasta, garlic cream sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta dinner