Cajun Garlic Butter Beef and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
Cajun Garlic Butter Beef and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is a delightful dish that brings a touch of South Louisiana spice to your dinner table. This recipe combines savory ground beef or tender steak with a creamy cheese sauce, perfectly coating cute bowtie pasta. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight family dinner or craving something special, this comforting meal checks all the boxes. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a sure hit with kids and adults alike.
Why you’ll love this dish
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta laced with the bold flavors of Cajun spices. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, the ingredients are wallet-friendly, ensuring that you don’t have to stretch your budget for a delicious dinner.
"I made this for my family, and it was a hit! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the cheesy pasta." – Sarah, home cook.
Preparing Cajun Garlic Butter Beef and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
Here’s a quick overview of how this delightful dish comes together. The process starts by cooking the bowtie pasta, followed by seasoning and cooking the Cajun beef. You’ll then create a rich, creamy sauce before combining it all for a delicious finish. Ready? Let’s dive into the ingredients.
What you’ll need
To whip up this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use gluten-free pasta for a dietary adjustment.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, season the beef with Cajun seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned beef. Cook it until browned, then remove it and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, letting them melt into the sauce until creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta, tossing until fully coated. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Return the Cajun beef to the skillet, simmering for an additional 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving this dish can be as fun as making it. Consider plating it in shallow bowls for a modern look, and sprinkle some extra cheese or chopped herbs on top for a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta dish for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy texture.
Pro chef tips
- For added depth, let the garlic brown slightly before adding the cream. It’ll give the sauce a lovely, robust flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for more aromatic flavors.
- Make it your own by adjusting the spice level — add more Cajun seasoning if you like it hot!
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to try:
- Swap protein: Use shrimp or chicken instead of beef for a different taste.
- Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as adding pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for this recipe?
This dish typically takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 15-20 minutes for cooking, so you can have dinner ready in about 30-35 minutes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure to avoid storing with any garnishes like parsley or green onions, as they don’t hold up well in the fridge.
With all its comforting flavors and creamy goodness, Cajun Garlic Butter Beef and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is sure to steal the show on your dinner table. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!
Cajun Garlic Butter Beef and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, season the beef with Cajun seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned beef. Cook until browned, then remove it and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, letting them melt into the sauce until creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta, tossing until fully coated. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Return the Cajun beef to the skillet, simmering for an additional 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.
