Comfort food gets a bold, Southern-inspired twist in this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream. With its creamy richness, spicy warmth, and pasta that hugs every drop of sauce, this dish makes weeknight dinners feel indulgent without any of the fuss. It’s one of those meals that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aroma and brings the whole family running to the table.
The magic starts with a flavorful Cajun-spiced beef cooked down with sweet onions and peppers, all folded into a luscious garlic cream sauce. Add melty cheese and tender bowtie pasta, and you’ve got a recipe that balances heat, creaminess, and comfort all in one bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream
This isn’t your average pasta dinner. It’s spicy, creamy, cheesy, and completely satisfying. The Cajun spices wake up your taste buds, while the garlic cream mellows it out with a silky texture. Bowtie pasta isn’t just cute—its ridges and folds are perfect for holding onto all that creamy goodness. It’s a dinner that tastes like something from your favorite restaurant, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) is ideal for this recipe because its shape holds onto the meat and sauce beautifully. But if you’re out of bowties, don’t worry. Penne, rotini, or even shells can work as great substitutes. The real hero is that garlic cream and Cajun-spiced beef, so use whatever pasta you have on hand and let the sauce do the talking.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream
This dish brings together a handful of bold, creamy, and comforting ingredients. Each one adds a special touch, creating layers of flavor that make this pasta unforgettable.
- Bowtie pasta
- Ground beef
- Cajun seasoning
- Yellow onion
- Bell pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper


How To Make the Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the beef. Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Mix until every piece is coated in creamy goodness. Serve hot with extra cheese on top if desired.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream
This recipe generously feeds about 4 to 6 people, making it a hearty option for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Serve it straight from the skillet while it’s piping hot and gooey with melted cheese. The garlic cream sauce thickens as it cools, so for the best texture, enjoy it fresh.
If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy consistency. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
What to Serve With Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream?
Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect tool to swipe through the leftover sauce on your plate.
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad balances out the richness of the dish with freshness and tang.
Roasted Broccoli
The roasted edges and slight bitterness of broccoli offer a tasty contrast to the creamy pasta.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet, juicy corn complements the Cajun flavors while adding a splash of summer.
Steamed Green Beans
Simply steamed green beans add a clean, crisp texture to your plate.
Fried Zucchini Chips
Crunchy and slightly salty, zucchini chips make for a fun and flavorful side.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
This cool and refreshing salad brings an acidic brightness that pairs beautifully with creamy, cheesy pasta.
Sweet Tea or Iced Lemonade
Round out your Southern-style meal with a chilled glass of sweet tea or lemonade.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you enjoyed this Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream, here are more comforting pasta recipes to keep your weeknight meals interesting:
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is another indulgent, creamy pasta that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is perfect when you want something filling in under 30 minutes.
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta adds a rich spin to the classic alfredo with hearty beef.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce combines cheesy pasta pillows with bold Philly flavors.
- One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a quick one-pot wonder for smoky and savory cravings.
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Let me know how yours turned out! Did you stick with bowtie pasta or switch it up? Maybe you added a little extra heat?
I love hearing your twists on this dish, so don’t be shy. Leave a comment with your version and tips for others.
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Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Description
This cheesy bowtie pasta with savory Cajun ground beef in garlic cream is the ultimate comfort food with a Southern twist. Loaded with bold Cajun flavor, a rich garlic cream sauce, and melted cheese, this easy dinner recipe is perfect for weeknights. Ideal for lovers of creamy pasta, spicy beef, and family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 yellow onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Reduce heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
6. Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Stir until fully melted and sauce is smooth.
7. Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta and mix until well coated with the creamy beef sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like extra heat.
If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg