Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Beef Recipe
This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Beef is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender bowtie pasta with a creamy Cajun-seasoned ground beef sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it offers a delicious blend of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness all in one skillet.
- 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
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Cajun Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the cooked beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the creamy Cajun beef sauce. Toss well to fully coat the pasta with the cheesy, spicy sauce. Warm through for another 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
- Use part-skim mozzarella cheese for a milder flavor and lower fat content.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for added color and freshness.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: Cheesy Bowtie Pasta, Cajun Beef Pasta, Creamy Cajun Beef, Ground Beef Pasta, Comfort Food
