Name: Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces bowtie pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Introduction

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Creamy, cheesy sauce pairs beautifully with the spicy kick of Cajun-seasoned beef. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

A white plate filled with two main sections: on one side, light golden bow-tie pasta piled thickly, topped with grated white cheese and sprinkled green herbs; on the other side, rich brown meat sauce with visible ground meat chunks, garnished with fresh green herbs. The pasta shows a slightly glossy texture, while the meat sauce looks hearty and moist. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the beef and continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.

Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini for a different texture.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich and creamy.

Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetable boost.

Make it vegetarian by substituting ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat crumbles.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original.