Description

Bold, creamy, and weeknight-friendly—this Cajun Beef Spaghetti swirls al dente noodles with a velvety three-cheese parmesan sauce and savory Cajun-spiced beef. It’s the perfect mash-up of cozy comfort and zesty Southern heat.

Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti

1 pound ground beef (85-90% lean)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra kick)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook spaghetti to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook until no longer pink; drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add onion; saute 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute to caramelize.

5. Pour in beef broth, scraping up browned bits; simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Lower heat to medium-low; stir in heavy cream and butter. Simmer gently 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Off heat, stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar until melted and smooth. Loosen with reserved pasta water if needed.

8. Add Worcestershire, remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Taste and adjust.

9. Toss spaghetti into the sauce until coated. Fold in parsley.

10. Garnish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.

Notes

Cheese matters: freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.

Sauce control: keep heat moderate after adding cream/cheese; thin with pasta water if needed.

Heat level: Cajun blends vary—start with 1 tablespoon, add more to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta, Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 620
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 920
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 17
Unsaturated Fat: 13
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 48
Fiber: 3
Protein: 33
Cholesterol: 115

Keywords: cajun beef spaghetti, creamy parmesan sauce, three cheese spaghetti, ground beef pasta