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Cajun One-Skillet Beef Alfredo Bowties

Cajun One-Skillet Beef Alfredo Bowties - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner combining tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce with a bold Cajun kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) uncooked bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (e.g., Tony Chachere’s or homemade blend)
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions soften.
  3. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
  4. Pour in 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in 12 ounces uncooked bowtie pasta, making sure pasta is mostly submerged in the broth. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until cheese melts and sauce is creamy and combined.
  7. Add salt and pepper to taste, being cautious due to salt in Cajun seasoning and Parmesan.
  8. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens to desired consistency. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish and serve hot.

Notes

Keep stirring the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste to control spice level. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, Alfredo, one-skillet, beef, bowtie pasta, easy dinner, creamy, spicy, quick meal