Ingredients
- Farfalle Pasta (Bowties)Choose a quality brand of pasta because its ability to hold up during cooking and stick to the sauce is paramount to the dish's success.
- Lean Ground BeefOpt for 85/15 or 90/10 beef to provide richness without excessive grease, which keeps the final dish cleaner and less oily.
- Cajun Seasoning BlendUse your favorite high-quality, pre-mixed Cajun or Creole seasoning; adjust the amount based on your preferred heat level.
- Aromatic VegetablesDiced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery form the classic "holy trinity" base crucial for authentic regional flavor.
- Unsalted ButterUsed as the base for the sauce and helps sauté the garlic without scorching it, adding richness to the final Alfredo.
- Garlic ClovesFreshly minced garlic provides a sharp, necessary aromatic punch that elevates the savory depth of the Alfredo sauce.
- Cream CheeseFull-fat cream cheese is essential for achieving the required thickness and stability in the sauce, preventing separation and adding tang.
- Heavy CreamProvides the necessary liquid and fat content for a truly decadent and velvety Alfredo texture that beautifully coats the bowties.
- Beef Broth and Chicken BrothThese liquids are used for deglazing the meat and thinning the sauce slightly while adding complex layers of savory depth.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan CheeseUse true Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible) for its salty, nutty flavor and its ability to help thicken the sauce.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Step 2: Brown and Season the Ground Beef
- Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- Step 4: Create the Cream Cheese Alfredo Sauce
- Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Finish the Sauce
- Step 6: Combine and Serve
Notes
- For best texture, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream before sealing, as the pasta will absorb much of the sauce during refrigeration.
- When reheating, use the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, and avoid boiling; if the sauce appears grainy, vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream cheese until smooth again.
- Offset the richness of the Alfredo and heat of the Cajun spices by serving alongside a crisp, lightly dressed arugula salad or a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping.
- When browning the beef, ensure you add the Cajun seasoning *before* deglazing; toasting the spices briefly in the beef fat helps bloom the flavor compounds, resulting in a deeper, more aromatic final sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American