Get ready to turn your weeknight dinner into something wildly craveable with this Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce. Imagine a rich, smoky Cajun-spiced beef sauce, smothering perfectly al dente spaghetti, all tied together with a velvety blend of three cheeses bubbling into golden perfection. It’s not your average spaghetti—it’s bold, cozy, and totally unforgettable.

The hearty ground beef soaks up all those Cajun spices, while the creamy cheese sauce—made with Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar—adds an indulgent twist that’ll make you wonder why you ever ate spaghetti any other way. This skillet masterpiece isn’t just about flavor, it’s about comfort with a spicy kick and melty finish.

What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, go with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often have anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. If you want that creamy, restaurant-style sauce, grate it yourself from a block.

Ingredients for the Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

Spaghetti: The heart of this dish. Choose high-quality spaghetti and cook it al dente so it holds up under the sauce.

Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.

Cajun Seasoning: This is where the flavor kicks in. Use store-bought or your own blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and turns the cheese into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth. As mentioned, freshly grated is best.

Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, stretchy melt we all love.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold punch that balances the creaminess.

Garlic and Onion: These aromatics lay the flavor foundation for the beef and sauce.

Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness to brighten up the dish.

How To Make the Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Sear and Season the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Stir in minced garlic and finely chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and softened.

Step 2: Boil the Spaghetti

While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the spaghetti aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat under the beef to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan. Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses while stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth, thick, and dreamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 4: Toss and Simmer

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss well to coat each strand of pasta. Let everything simmer together for about 3–4 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an optional dash of Cajun seasoning on top. Serve hot, ideally straight from the skillet for that ultimate comfort food vibe.

How to Serve and Store Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

This dish is best served piping hot straight from the skillet while the cheese is still bubbling and the sauce is at its creamiest. Pair it with warm, crusty bread or a light side salad to balance the richness. For a special twist, serve it in mini cast-iron pans or shallow bowls for individual portions.

To store, let the spaghetti cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky sauce texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy-based sauce may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work beautifully. Just adjust cook time and be sure to cook al dente.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick, but you can control the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of Cajun seasoning.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef with plant-based ground or cooked lentils, and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

What cheeses can I swap in?

Gruyère or Monterey Jack make great alternatives. Just keep at least one sharp or aged cheese for depth.

How can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and heat just before serving. Store both in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you’re loving the spicy comfort of this Cajun Beef Spaghetti, don’t stop here! Check out more pasta dishes that hit all the right cozy notes:

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving something creamy with a buttery finish.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a hearty twist on classic mac & cheese.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine when you want fresh citrusy notes with richness.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for another beefy, cheesy go-to.
One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you want that same kick with tender steak bites.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it fast next time the pasta craving hits.

And let me know how it turned out! Did you tweak the spice levels or swap in a different cheese? Maybe you added mushrooms or bell peppers? I’d love to hear your spin in the comments.

Want more spicy pasta ideas? You can find my daily pasta and dinner inspirations over on Pinterest: Life with Nina Recipes

Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Print Recipe

Description

Bold, creamy, and comforting, this Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce brings smoky heat and cheesy richness together in one skillet. A Cajun-spiced beef blend wrapped in velvety sauce and tossed with al dente spaghetti—perfect for cozy nights or crowd-pleasing family dinners.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

2. Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic, and onion. Cook until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

4. Lower heat under the beef to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Gradually add Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar while stirring until the sauce is smooth and melted.

5. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and gently mix until well coated. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

6. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.