Turn up the comfort with this flavor-packed Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef. This dish is all about indulgence: tender bowtie pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, kicked up with Cajun spices and paired with hearty, well-seasoned beef. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this skillet creation delivers bold Southern flair with every bite.

The best part? It all comes together in one pan. That means less mess and more flavor mingling between the pasta, meat, and cheesy sauce. It’s savory, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy—a guaranteed repeat recipe in your kitchen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, make sure your kitchen is prepped with the right tools:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is the star of your setup. A wide skillet ensures even cooking and room to toss the pasta and sauce together without crowding.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the beef as it browns and for gently folding the creamy sauce into the pasta.
Medium Pot: Used to cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. It should be large enough for boiling without spillover.

Colander: Necessary for draining the pasta, especially if you’re not cooking it directly in the skillet.
Microplane or Cheese Grater: If you’re using freshly shredded cheese (recommended!), this tool helps achieve a smooth melt.

Setting yourself up with these essentials will make the cooking process smooth, efficient, and more enjoyable.

Ingredients for the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Each ingredient in this bold pasta dish plays a crucial role in building a deeply satisfying flavor:

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The perfect pasta shape to catch and hold onto the creamy sauce in every groove.
Ground Beef: Hearty and flavorful, it gives the dish its richness and comforting bite.

Cream Cheese: Adds tang and luxurious creaminess to balance the Cajun spices.
Heavy Cream: Essential for creating a silky, indulgent Alfredo base.
Shredded Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: This combo offers meltability and flavor depth.

Cajun Seasoning: The heart of the flavor—smoky, spicy, and bold.
Garlic (Minced): Adds a warm, aromatic backbone to the beef and sauce.
Onion Powder & Paprika: Boosts the savoriness and enhances the color of the sauce.

Butter: Used to enrich the base and help melt the cheeses smoothly.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a touch of color and freshness at the end.

How To Make the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it into crumbles and season it with half of the Cajun seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the beef cooks, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

Reduce the skillet to medium heat. Add butter and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the cream cheese until melted.

Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and paprika. Stir gently, letting it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and gooey.

Step 6: Final Touch

Turn off the heat and top with a little extra cheese if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a vibrant finish.

Best Ways to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Pasta

This pasta is at its absolute best when served hot and fresh out of the skillet. The cheeses are still melty, the sauce creamy, and the bowties tender but firm. Pair it with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out your meal. A drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon can add extra zing for spice-lovers.

For storing leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s smooth texture. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the cheese from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well. Just season them generously to maintain that Cajun punch.

Is this dish very spicy?

That depends on your Cajun seasoning blend. Start with less if you’re spice-sensitive, and add more to taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the beef and sauce a day ahead. Cook the pasta fresh and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Does cream cheese belong in Alfredo?

Traditionally, no—but in this version, cream cheese adds a velvety tang that thickens and modernizes the sauce beautifully.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells will also hold the creamy sauce well.

What kind of cheddar is best?

Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, but a mild or medium cheddar will melt smoother. A mix of both is ideal.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef won you over, here are some other irresistible pasta favorites from Life With Olivia:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce – a silky, comforting dinner option.

Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta – perfect if you love heat and bold sausage flavor.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – for a family-friendly classic with veggies built in.
Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta – a fiery twist with a ranchy kick.

Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce – another rich, beefy bowtie favorite to bookmark.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more spice? Swap in a different cheese? Maybe try it with shrimp?

I love seeing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens. Share your thoughts, tweaks, or questions below—we’re all about building flavor together.

For more daily recipe inspiration, follow along on my Pinterest: Life With Olivia

Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This one-skillet Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef is comfort food with a Southern kick. Tender pasta meets creamy, cheesy Alfredo infused with Cajun seasoning and hearty beef. Perfect for cozy nights or meal-prepped leftovers.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. While the beef cooks, boil the bowtie pasta in a medium pot with salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and add remaining Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and paprika. Stir and let simmer until slightly thickened.

5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat. Mix in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.

6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.