Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Beef Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a creamy, spicy beef sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings for something rich and hearty.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 3: Add Cajun seasoning to the beef, stirring well to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the bowties in the creamy Cajun beef sauce.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked paprika or cayenne to adjust the heat level in the Cajun seasoning.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a more complex cheesy sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and meat sauce separately and combine them just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, but the texture will be lighter and less creamy.
PrintCheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Beef Recipe
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, creamy Cajun beef sauce with melted cheese, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
Cajun Beef Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cajun Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and coats the beef evenly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy Cajun beef sauce. Toss well to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute bowtie pasta with a gluten-free variety.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions when cooking the beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
Keywords: Cheesy bowtie pasta, Cajun beef, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe
