Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 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
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned; remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in softened cream cheese until melted, then gradually whisk in milk or half-and-half until smooth.
- Add grated Parmesan and remaining Cajun seasoning; simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet along with the bowtie pasta. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg