Zesty Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties (Print)

Creamy Cajun Alfredo bowties topped with seasoned beef for a bold, satisfying dinner.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the beef strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the beef is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, keeping it loosely covered.
04 - Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
05 - Pour in the heavy cream and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
06 - Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
08 - Top the pasta with the cooked spiced beef. You can toss everything together gently or leave the beef arranged on top as a garnish.
09 - Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The creamy Alfredo sauce tames the Cajun heat into something rich and approachable
  • Spice-rubbed beef adds protein depth that keeps the pasta from feeling too heavy
  • Ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • Cream cheese sauce breaks if boiled violently. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
  • Room temperature cream cheese melts faster than cold cubes. Plan ahead.
  • The sauce thickens as it stands off heat. Add pasta water right before serving if needed.
03 -
  • Slice the beef while it is slightly chilled for cleaner cuts
  • Warm your serving bowls to keep the sauce loose longer

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