Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that hits every comforting, spicy, and creamy note you could crave. This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate weeknight indulgence. Loaded with bold Cajun flavor, this recipe blends the richness of ground beef and Italian sausage with a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce. Bell peppers and spinach sneak in a pop of freshness, while the bowtie pasta holds every drop of creamy goodness in its folds.

Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this dish feels like something from a restaurant menu—yet it comes together quickly and in one pan. The combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory in every bite is what makes this pasta unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta delivers comfort with a Cajun kick.


Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Bold Flavor Fusion: The combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and two types of meat delivers robust and complex flavor.
  • Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein, pasta, and veggies, it’s a meal that satisfies.
  • Quick & One-Pot: A simple process with minimal cleanup.
  • Family-Friendly with Heat Control: Adjust the spice level to fit everyone’s palate.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen beautifully by the next day.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get this meal right, preparation is everything. Here’s what you need to gather before firing up the stove:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

  • Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for browning the meats and combining all elements in one pot.
  • Medium Pot: For boiling the bowtie pasta until al dente.
  • Colander: To drain the pasta efficiently.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring the meat and sauce without scratching the pan.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and sauce consistency.

These tools not only streamline the process but also help maintain even cooking and proper sauce texture. The right pan ensures your garlic doesn’t burn and your sauce thickens beautifully, while a deep skillet makes room for everything to blend seamlessly.


Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Holds sauce well and adds texture.
  • Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and savory depth.
  • Italian Sausage: Infuses the dish with spiced, juicy flavor.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Offers color, sweetness, and crunch.
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds a nutritious, earthy contrast.
  • Minced Garlic: For bold, aromatic flavor.
  • Cajun Seasoning: The key spice blend that brings heat and complexity.
  • Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a silky finish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth to the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and enriching the sauce.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: To balance and enhance the overall taste.
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How To Make the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a deep skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together until browned. Drain excess fat and return to the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the pan with the meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Cajun seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Spinach & Pasta

Fold in the fresh spinach until just wilted, then toss in the cooked bowtie pasta. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.


Serving & Storing Your Cajun Bowtie Pasta

This pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crusty garlic bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. Garnish with a little more grated Parmesan and a touch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy.

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also add a bit more cream to mellow the heat.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini work great too. Just choose a shape that holds sauce well.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

Ground chicken or turkey sausage are good leaner options, or go fully beef if preferred.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor and texture will vary.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave works too, but stir midway through for even heating.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! It holds up wonderfully in the fridge and the flavors deepen as it sits. Just store in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches.


Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If this Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta got your tastebuds dancing, you’ll love exploring these next:


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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra spicy? Add mushrooms? Maybe even a dash of hot sauce? I love hearing how others make this dish their own. Drop your tips, swaps, or questions below—let’s make great meals together.


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Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce


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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce combines bold Cajun spices, rich garlic cream sauce, and hearty proteins in a one-skillet pasta dinner. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this recipe delivers savory comfort with a spicy twist. Includes mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and bell pepper. A must-try spicy pasta recipe!


Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) 1/2 lb ground beef 1/2 lb Italian sausage 1 red bell pepper, chopped 2 cups fresh spinach 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Cajun seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Fold in fresh spinach and let wilt. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything to combine evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. To tone down the heat, start with 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and adjust as needed. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore sauciness.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 685
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 41g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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