Description
This cheesy bowtie pasta with savory Cajun ground beef combines bold Louisiana spices with rich garlic cream sauce. Tender pasta and perfectly seasoned beef create the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1.5 pounds ground chuck (80/20)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups fresh spinach
2 green onions, sliced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
1. Mix all Cajun spices together in a small bowl.
2. Toss ground beef with spice blend until evenly coated.
3. Let seasoned meat rest at room temperature 10 minutes.
4. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain.
5. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add seasoned ground beef, cook 6-8 minutes breaking into chunks until browned.
7. Remove beef and set aside.
8. Melt butter in same skillet over medium heat.
9. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper, sauté 3 minutes until softened.
10. Pour in cream and beef broth, bring to gentle simmer.
11. Gradually whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth.
12. Add shredded cheddar cheese, whisk until melted.
13. Return ground beef to sauce along with cooked pasta.
14. Add fresh spinach and toss until wilted.
15. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Ground chuck provides best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix beef to prevent tough texture.
Use block cheese for smoothest melting.
Adjust cayenne pepper to taste preference.
Serve immediately for best texture and temperature.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 612
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: cheesy bowtie pasta, cajun ground beef, comfort food, weeknight dinner