Description
Forget traditional Alfredo. This recipe builds a decadent, ultra-smooth cream cheese sauce base right in the skillet, infused with the savory remnants of Cajun spiced ground beef.
Ingredients
- Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta: 1 pound
- Ground Beef (80/20 preferred): 1 pound
- Cream Cheese (full-fat block): 8 ounces
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 ½ cups
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons (divided)
- Fresh Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta and season the beef. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease and stir in 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Remove the spiced beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the sauce base. Reduce the heat to medium and add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the block of cream cheese and the heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Finish the Cajun Alfredo sauce. Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Step 4: Combine the components. Drain the cooked farfalle pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Add the spiced ground beef back into the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta and beef are thoroughly coated with the Cajun cream cheese sauce.
- Step 5: Serve immediately. Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, adding a splash of milk or extra heavy cream before sealing to prevent the pasta from absorbing all the sauce during refrigeration.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and incorporate 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or milk per serving during the process to restore the creamy texture lost when the sauce chilled.
- Balance the rich creaminess and spice by serving this dish alongside a bright, acidic green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette, or offer warm, crusty bread for dipping into any remaining sauce.
- For maximum flavor payoff, taste your specific Cajun seasoning blend before using; if it lacks heat, incorporate a small pinch of cayenne pepper directly into the ground beef while browning in Step 1.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx.)
- Calories: 720
- Sodium: 535mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g