Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

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When it comes to comfort food that hits every craving in one bowl, this Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is king. It’s rich, zesty, indulgently creamy, and full of bold flavors. Imagine forkfuls of tender bowtie pasta coated in a creamy, garlicky sauce with just the right kick of Cajun heat, nestled between crumbles of juicy beef and spicy sausage. Every bite brings a new level of flavor, making it perfect for cozy dinners or even small get-togethers.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just need something hearty after a long day, this pasta doesn’t disappoint. It’s quick enough for weeknights, but decadent enough for weekends. The Cajun seasoning adds a vibrant Southern flair that keeps things exciting, while the creamy garlic sauce balances it with a smooth finish. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving this again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

This pasta is everything we love in a meal: comfort, spice, and richness. You’ll love how the bowtie pasta holds onto that creamy garlic sauce, delivering flavor in every bite. The combination of ground beef and spicy sausage creates a meaty base that feels satisfying without being too heavy. It’s one-pot magic at its best — fewer dishes, full flavor.

The dish also lends itself to easy customization. Don’t eat beef? Swap in ground turkey or chicken sausage. Want to turn down the heat? Just adjust the Cajun seasoning. And if you’re feeding a crowd, you can double it up and serve it straight from the skillet.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Spicy Cajun Recipes?

While bowtie pasta (farfalle) is our favorite for this dish because of its fun shape and ability to cling to the sauce, you could absolutely use others. Penne or rigatoni work great for their sturdy texture, especially if you’re using heartier meats like sausage. If you prefer long noodles, fettuccine or linguine will hold up well under the creamy Cajun garlic sauce. The real key? Make sure your pasta is al dente so it soaks in that spicy, savory goodness without turning mushy.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

This dish is full of big flavors, and each ingredient plays a role in building up the spice, richness, and creamy comfort. We’re talking proteins that satisfy, spices that punch, and a sauce that brings it all together in silky perfection.

• Bowtie pasta
• Ground beef
• Smoked sausage
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Butter
• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Paprika
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Each one of these brings its own layer. Bowtie pasta gives us those lovely sauce pockets. Ground beef adds heartiness, while smoked sausage brings that deep, seasoned flavor. Olive oil and butter start our cooking base. Garlic, onion, and red bell pepper build the flavor. Cajun seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes bring that spicy kick. The sauce gets creamy and rich with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Meats

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sear the sliced smoked sausage until golden. Remove and combine with the beef.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Melt butter in the skillet, then add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the heavy cream. Season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, beef, and sausage into the sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while it’s creamy and warm. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or more Parmesan on top.

How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

This pasta dish is best served hot and fresh off the stove. The creamy sauce clings to every bite, the meat is juicy and flavorful, and the kick of Cajun spice is at its peak. It’s the kind of dish that deserves to be enjoyed right away. That said, it also reheats beautifully.

To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave it, but stirring halfway through helps maintain the creamy texture.

This recipe feeds about 5 to 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for a busy week.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. The buttery crunch works wonders with the creamy spice.

Simple Garden Salad

Balance the richness with something fresh and crisp. Lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing bring a lightness to the plate.

Southern-Style Green Beans

Cooked low and slow with some onion and bacon, they offer a smoky side that complements the Cajun flavors beautifully.

Roasted Asparagus

Oven-roasted asparagus adds a clean, slightly charred flavor that works well with creamy pastas.

Cornbread Muffins

A little sweet, a little crumbly, and a great way to contrast the spice in the pasta.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Add a bit more green to your plate. The crisp tips of roasted broccoli dusted in Parmesan bring both crunch and flavor.

Creamy Coleslaw

It’s cool, it’s creamy, and it provides a refreshing contrast to the heat in the dish.

Fried Okra

Crispy fried okra delivers a Southern crunch and earthy depth that goes hand-in-hand with Cajun-inspired meals.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If this Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta lit up your taste buds, then you’ll love diving into more bold and creamy creations like these:

• Try the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for something ultra-rich and family-friendly.
• This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is perfect for quick weeknight meals.
• Our Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is indulgence on a plate.
• Don’t miss the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for something smooth and savory.
• Or go bold with the One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta that’s smoky and full of bite.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with beef and sausage, or did you add a twist with chicken or shrimp? Maybe you cranked up the spice even more?

I love seeing how others make this dish their own. Ask anything or share a tip—let’s make mealtime more flavorful together.

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