Looking for a dinner that hits every note of creamy, spicy, savory, and satisfying? This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich and flavorful one-pan meal that brings a Southern-inspired twist to your weeknight table. With seasoned ground beef, zesty sausage, and a velvety garlic cream sauce coating every fold of bowtie pasta, it’s a comfort dish that delivers big taste in under an hour.

Loaded with fresh spinach, melty cheese, and a touch of Cajun fire, this pasta is a craveable medley of textures and flavors. It’s bold enough for the spice lovers but perfectly balanced by the creamy base. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping lunches, this is the kind of dish that disappears fast.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta?

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is ideal for this recipe because its unique shape holds onto the creamy sauce and meat so well. However, you could easily swap in penne, rigatoni, or rotini in a pinch. The key is using a pasta with ridges or folds to capture all that garlicky, Cajun flavor in each bite.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ground beef: Adds richness and meaty texture to the sauce.
Ground sausage (Cajun or hot Italian): Infuses spicy, bold flavor that anchors the whole dish.
Farfalle pasta: The fun bowtie shape traps the creamy sauce for flavor in every bite.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the creamy sauce with depth and warmth.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and rich.
Cajun seasoning: The backbone of the dish’s flavor, adding heat and Southern spice.
Shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Spinach: Wilts down perfectly and adds color, nutrients, and freshness.
Diced red bell pepper: Offers crunch and a hint of sweetness to balance the spice.
Salt & pepper: To taste, for seasoning the meat and final dish.
Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the garlic and vegetables.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once browned and cooked through, transfer the meat to a plate and drain excess grease, if needed.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a little butter or oil if dry, then toss in the garlic and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the peppers begin to soften.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked meat to the pan, followed by the drained pasta. Stir everything together until coated.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Greens

Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. Fold in the spinach last so it wilts gently in the residual heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Serve immediately with extra cheese or a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired. This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight from the skillet.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Pasta

Serve your spicy Cajun pasta piping hot, straight from the pan, preferably in a shallow bowl so the creamy sauce coats each bite evenly. It’s delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. This dish also freezes well—just be sure to cool it completely first, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also add more cream to mellow the heat.

What type of sausage works best?

A spicy smoked sausage, Cajun sausage, or hot Italian ground sausage adds amazing depth. You can use mild if you prefer less heat.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes. Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream works, though the sauce may be slightly thinner. For dairy-free, try full-fat coconut milk.

Is this gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free bowtie pasta to make it suitable.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the beef and sausage and double up on veggies like mushrooms and zucchini, or add plant-based sausage alternatives.

What cheese melts best in this recipe?

Mozzarella gives a great melt, but you can also try provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian blend for variety.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this spicy Cajun bowtie pasta became an instant favorite, you’ll love these comforting pasta dishes that bring rich sauces and hearty flavors:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a cozy, weeknight indulgence.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a simple dinner with no extra dishes.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for melty goodness in every bite.
Red Pepper Rigatoni when you’re craving creamy with a little tang.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for big garlic flavor in a dreamy sauce.

📌 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 swap in a different sausage or amp up the spice? Maybe added mushrooms or used kale instead of spinach?

I love hearing your creative twists and seeing your photos. You can also check out more of my daily meals and kitchen inspo here: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta combines ground beef, zesty sausage, and tender farfalle pasta in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s bold, savory, and perfect for spice lovers craving comfort food with a Southern twist. Finished with melty cheese, wilted spinach, and pops of red bell pepper, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s satisfying and easy to prepare.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add farfalle pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Transfer meat to a plate and drain grease.

3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and diced red bell pepper until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Cajun seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Return meat to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Stir to coat evenly in the sauce.

6. Add shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and sauce is creamy.

7. Fold in spinach and let it wilt. Adjust seasoning if needed.

8. Serve hot, topped with extra cheese or parsley if desired.