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Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Savory Cajun Ground Beef in Garlic Cream

A cozy weeknight favorite that pairs tender farfalle with Cajun-spiced beef and a silky garlic cream sauce. This hearty dish brings together smoky spice and rich creaminess in under 40 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 5 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta farfalle
  • 1 pound ground beef 85/15 blend recommended
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste preference
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese freshly shredded preferred
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 11-13 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (no longer pink), about 6-8 minutes. If using 85/15 ground beef, you can leave the small amount of fat in the pan. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Return the beef to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss until everything is coated in the sauce. If sauce feels too thick, splash in 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water, adding more if needed.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) holds the creamy sauce beautifully in its folds, but you can use penne or rotini. Choose fresh garlic for the sauce if possible for the best aromatic punch. Use lean ground beef (85/15 blend) to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste; start with less if you prefer mild heat. Reserved pasta water helps the cheese sauce cling and stay silky. Use a 12-inch skillet for best results.
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