Dinner

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream Recipe

ByElla Hart January 25, 2026January 25, 2026

Introduction

This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare any night of the week. The creamy sauce combined with spicy Cajun beef and tender bowtie pasta makes for a perfect balance of rich and bold tastes. It’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with two layers of food: on the left side, there is a creamy, light yellow pasta topped with a sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs and grated cheese; on the right side, there is a rich, dark brown minced meat sauce garnished with fresh green herbs. The pasta has a soft texture and the meat sauce looks thick and hearty. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces bowtie pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the beef and continue cooking until no longer pink. Transfer the beef to a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the pasta hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the Cajun seasoning.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
Swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Top with additional shredded cheddar or Parmesan before serving for an extra cheesy finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with two halves of a pasta dish. On the left side, there is a large layer of creamy, light beige bow-tie pasta with a sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs and grated white cheese on top, creating a soft textured look. On the right side, there is a thick layer of rich, dark brown meat sauce with fresh green herbs scattered on the surface. The contrast between the pale pasta and the dark sauce creates a clear division in the bowl. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the bowtie pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. Cook according to package instructions.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance, but it’s best to combine and heat everything just before serving to maintain the creamy texture.