Description
Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a bold, flavor-packed comfort food dinner. Made with creamy garlic sauce, spicy sausage, hearty beef, and tender bowtie pasta, this Cajun pasta is perfect for family meals, meal prep, or spice lovers craving a creamy twist. This easy weeknight recipe combines Southern flavor with creamy indulgence for a crowd-pleasing hit.
Ingredients
1 lb bowtie pasta
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb smoked sausage or Andouille sausage, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add sliced sausage and continue cooking until both are fully browned. Remove the meats from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Return the cooked beef and sausage to the pan, then toss in the drained pasta. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Add grated Parmesan and mix again until everything is well incorporated.
6. Serve hot with chopped fresh parsley on top. For extra heat, sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes.
Notes
Use Andouille sausage if you want more heat and smokiness.
Add bell peppers or spinach to boost veggie content without overpowering the sauce.
For a looser sauce when reheating, stir in a bit more cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg