Description
A quick and comforting weeknight meal featuring bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, spicy Cajun-spiced cream sauce with ground beef and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) Bowtie Pasta
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup (100g) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 stalks Green Onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Brown evenly for 5-6 minutes, draining excess grease if necessary.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the beef and stir to coat, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring to prevent lumps. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until every noodle is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not let the sauce boil vigorously after adding cream to prevent breaking. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to help thicken the sauce. The dish does not freeze well due to the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Cajun beef, creamy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meals, ground beef recipes, bowtie pasta, 15 minute dinner, comfort food