Ingredients

1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta

1 pound ground beef

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)

1 cup milk or half-and-half

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it begins to melt and soften.

Step 5: Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half to create a creamy base, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 6: Mix in the grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce richness without sacrificing creaminess.

Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein choice.

Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Reserve pasta water carefully—adding it gradually helps control sauce consistency perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce pairs well with many pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta package instructions.

Is this dish very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat, which can be adjusted by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes. Feel free to tailor the spice level to your preference.