Go Back
–+ servings
cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta: Comforting Cajun Beef Delight

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta wraps al dente pasta in a rich garlic cream sauce with savory Cajun beef, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Bowtie Pasta Feel free to substitute with penne or rotini.
For the Meat
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish from being too greasy.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning Adjust according to your spice preference.
For the Sauce
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh garlic brings the best taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1.5 cups Heavy Cream Try coconut cream for a lighter twist.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese For variation, mozzarella or pepper jack works beautifully.
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Provides nuttiness and depth to the flavor profile.
For Seasoning & Garnish
  • 0.5 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Boosts all the flavors in the dish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground provides the best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley For a fresh burst of flavor and beautiful garnish.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of bowtie pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and mix well.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
  5. Add the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low, mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan until melted. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the beef to the skillet with the drained pasta, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This cheesy bowtie pasta recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!