Zesty Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties (Printable)
Creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta with seasoned beef delivers bold flavors in every comforting bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
02 - 1 Tbsp salt (for pasta water)
→ Spiced Beef
03 - 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
04 - 1 Tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
07 - ½ tsp garlic powder
08 - ½ tsp onion powder
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Alfredo Sauce
11 - 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 cup heavy cream
14 - 6 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
15 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1-2 tsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
17 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
19 - 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
20 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain while reserving ½ cup pasta water, then set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine beef strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned beef strips and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and set aside, loosely covered.
04 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and add cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts completely and sauce is smooth.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
08 - Arrange cooked spiced beef over the pasta. Either toss gently to incorporate or leave beef layered on top as a garnish.
09 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The Cajun cream sauce clings to every pasta curve, ensuring each bite delivers maximum flavor
- Its the perfect balance of rich comfort food and bold spice that doesnt overwhelm
- This dinner comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen
02 -
- The sauce thickens rapidly as it cools, so err on the side of slightly thinner when tossing with pasta
- Room temperature cream cheese melts faster and prevents grainy texture in your sauce
- Letting the beef rest after cooking helps redistribute juices, keeping each bite succulent
03 -
- Grate your Parmesan from a wedge rather than using pre-shredded cheese for the smoothest result
- Keep the cream cheese on the counter for an hour before cooking to avoid any lumpy surprises in your sauce