Name: Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Cajun Fusion
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy, bold, and irresistibly comforting, this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is the kind of dinner that leaves everyone asking for seconds. The bowtie pasta is coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce, melted cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs, while the ground beef brings that deep, smoky heat with Cajun seasoning and rich tomato base. It’s the perfect balance of spice and cream, with a nostalgic home-cooked feel.

This is a quick weeknight dinner with restaurant-worthy flavor, designed for those evenings when you need bold flavor without complicated steps. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is the star here. Its ridged edges and sturdy shape catch the creamy sauce beautifully while offering a satisfying chew. If you don’t have bowties, penne or rigatoni also work well for capturing the sauce and meaty bits.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

Ground Beef
Lean ground beef provides a hearty, savory base that stands up well to Cajun seasoning.

Cajun Seasoning
This is where the magic happens. Smoky, spicy, and full of southern character, it gives the beef its unmistakable kick.

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
Holds sauce beautifully and gives a fun, toothsome texture.

Garlic
Fresh garlic sautéed into the cream base infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic base.

Heavy Cream
Creates a velvety, rich sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Parmesan Cheese & Mozzarella
Melts into the sauce for creaminess and is sprinkled on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Butter
Used to sauté the garlic and add richness to the sauce.

Parsley & Red Pepper Flakes
Add freshness and a pop of color with a little kick to finish it off.

How To Make the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Cajun Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in Cajun seasoning and a splash of water, then let it simmer for 5 minutes to soak in the flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the garlic cream sauce. Stir well to coat every piece in cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

On a plate or bowl, spoon the cheesy bowtie pasta and top generously with the Cajun ground beef mixture. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and a bit more cheese if desired.

Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

This dish is best served immediately while the cheese is gooey and the sauce is silky. For an extra touch, serve it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken both work well and absorb the Cajun spices nicely.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can mix your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook everything, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat with a bit of added cream to bring back the saucy texture.

Can I freeze it?

It freezes best without the pasta. Freeze the Cajun ground beef sauce separately and boil fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this cheesy Cajun pasta combo, you’ll probably enjoy these flavorful meals too:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a hearty family-style dinner.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for less cleanup with full flavor.
Red Pepper Rigatoni with creamy, bold tomato notes.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for oven-baked cheesy comfort.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a veggie-forward creamy pasta.

📌 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 tweak the spice level or add a different cheese? Maybe even tried it with sausage instead of beef?

I love seeing your twists and tips. For more cozy weeknight dinner inspiration, check out my Pinterest Life with Jam.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, comforting pasta dish made with bowtie pasta smothered in a garlic cream sauce, topped with Cajun-spiced ground beef and finished with melted cheese and herbs.