Description
Cajun Garlic Butter Beef and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that perfectly balances creamy goodness with zesty Cajun spices. This one-pot wonder is not only quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers. The rich garlic butter sauce envelops tender ground beef and bowtie pasta, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, with the option to customize ingredients, you can easily make this dish your own by swapping beef for turkey or adding your favorite vegetables. Serve it straight from the skillet for a fun communal experience or plate it elegantly for individual servings. Either way, it’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking beef)
- 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the beef, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown.
- Pour in heavy cream and beef broth while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted into the sauce, creating a creamy base.
- Return cooked beef to the skillet along with bowtie pasta. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Plate your Cajun garlic butter beef and cheesy bowtie pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Adjust spice levels by increasing Cajun seasoning or adding crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.