Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

• Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Provides the perfect al dente bite and holds the rich sauce beautifully. A fun shape that kids and adults love.
• Lean Ground Beef: The hearty protein base for this dish, spiced perfectly. Opt for 85/15 lean for great flavor without excessive grease.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened: The star ingredient for that decadent, tangy creaminess in our Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo. Ensure it’s fully softened for smooth melting.
• Heavy Cream: The foundation for our luxuriously smooth and rich Alfredo sauce. Don’t substitute for lighter creams; it’s essential for texture.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth that elevates the entire sauce. Always grate your own for superior melt and flavor.
• Yellow Onion, diced: An aromatic base that builds a foundational layer of savory flavor. Sauté until translucent for best results.
• Garlic, minced: Delivers a pungent, aromatic punch that is essential to almost any savory dish. Freshly mince for maximum flavor impact.
• Green Bell Pepper, diced: Contributes a fresh, slightly bitter note, crucial for authentic Cajun flavor. Cook until tender-crisp.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce slightly and adds a savory depth without overpowering. Always choose low-sodium to control salt levels.
• Unsalted Butter: Used for sautéing aromatics and adds a touch of richness to the sauce. Unsalted allows precise seasoning control.
• Cajun Seasoning: The essential spice blend that brings all the vibrant, zesty heat to this Spiced Ground Beef. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Salt: Crucial for enhancing all other flavors and balancing the richness. Season incrementally and taste as you go.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, pungent kick that complements the other spices. Grind fresh for superior aroma and taste.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped: Provides a burst of freshness and color, cutting through the richness. Stir in at the very end for best vibrancy.

How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

Brown Beef:

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up. Drain excess fat, then add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper for your spiced ground beef base.

Build Sauce:

Push beef mixture to one side. Add butter to the empty side, then minced garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in softened cream cheese and heavy cream.

Emulsify Alfredo:

Gently heat the cream cheese and heavy cream mixture, whisking constantly until the cream cheese fully melts and starts to emulsify into a smooth sauce. This forms the decadent base for your Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo.

Simmer Sauce:

Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly, ensuring rich flavor.

Cook Pasta:

While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Al dente pasta holds up best in the sauce.

Combine Dish:

Add the cooked and drained bowtie pasta directly to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and spiced ground beef. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the luscious Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo.

Serve Fresh:

If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve your incredible Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef immediately and enjoy!

How to Store Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties with Spiced Ground Beef

To store leftover Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave them out too long, as dairy-based sauces can spoil quickly – trust me, I’ve made that mistake! Discard if you notice any off smells or mold.

For easier meal prep, you can brown the beef and dice vegetables up to 2 days ahead, storing them refrigerated. Assemble and cook the sauce and pasta just before serving. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.

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

Serve your incredible Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties hot and fresh for the best experience. Garnish with extra fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a beautiful presentation. This decadent dish is perfect when paired with a simple crisp green salad to cut through the richness, or warm crusty bread. Enjoy this comforting meal with loved ones.

I always prefer to serve this dish family-style, directly from the skillet. It’s perfect for sharing, allowing everyone to enjoy this ultimate comfort food. A chilled glass of iced tea or a light-bodied red wine pairs wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for The Ultimate Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties?

Yes, you absolutely can! Ground turkey works well, but opt for 93/7 for better flavor and less dryness. You might need a tiny bit more oil when browning. It’s a great lighter alternative for Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo.

→ How do I prevent a lumpy sauce when making Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo?

The key is ensuring your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it, and whisking constantly as it melts into the heavy cream. I’ve had lumpy sauce from cold cream cheese, and it’s no fun. Gentle heat helps too.

→ How long can I store leftover Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties in the refrigerator?

You can store leftover Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Don’t leave it out too long; dairy spoils fast.

→ Can I make components of The Ultimate Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can brown the ground beef with the vegetables up to 2 days in advance. Store it refrigerated. Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ How do I adjust this Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties recipe for more servings?

You can easily double the recipe for more servings. Just ensure you use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased volume and maintain even cooking. Keep an eye on the sauce thickness, as it might need a little extra broth or cream.