Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Milk or Half-and-Half
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until fully browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in milk or half-and-half.
- Stir in Parmesan and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return the cooked ground beef and pasta to the skillet. Toss until well coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg