Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re ready to level up your comfort food game, this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is pure indulgence in a skillet. It’s a dreamy fusion of spicy Cajun flavors, a hearty beef sauce, and a golden, bubbling cheese blanket that melts right into perfectly cooked spaghetti. The moment it hits your plate, it’s everything rich, creamy, spicy, and downright irresistible.

Perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re hosting a crowd that loves bold flavors, this dish is a showstopper. From the sizzling beef in Cajun spices to the luscious three-cheese sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti, it’s a weeknight wonder and a weekend reward all in one.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best for the Sauce?

A blend of sharp parmesan, gooey mozzarella, and rich cheddar creates the magic. Parmesan gives it a nutty depth, mozzarella ensures that stretchy melt factor, and cheddar packs the creamy punch. You can swap in smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for added character, but don’t skip the parmesan – it’s the heart of the sauce.

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

Ground Beef: A savory base that soaks up all those Cajun spices perfectly.

Spaghetti: Traditional, long pasta that holds sauce beautifully.

Heavy Cream: This brings the velvety body to the cheese sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and essential for a deep cheesy flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese: Gives that melted, stretchy texture that makes it feel indulgent.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and a golden hue to the sauce.

Cajun Seasoning: The spice blend that brings the entire dish to life. Smoky, peppery, with a hint of heat.

Garlic and Onion: Aromatics that build foundational flavor.

Butter: Adds silkiness and depth to the sauce.

Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the plate and cuts through the richness with freshness.

Salt & Pepper: Always essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.


Pin this Recipe

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat slightly, then stir in the heavy cream. Once it’s warm, add the parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses gradually, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles with the beef and cheese sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Transfer the mixture into a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and cheddar on top. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.


Serving and Storing Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti

Serve this dish piping hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. It’s perfect as a main course and satisfying enough that you won’t need much else.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream content, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great, but spaghetti holds the sauce especially well.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning. If you’re spice-sensitive, use a mild version or reduce the amount.

Can I make it without baking?

Yes! You can skip the broiling step and serve it straight from the stovetop. Just be sure to melt the cheese fully in the skillet.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour can work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Can I add veggies?

Definitely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions to the sauce without overpowering the Cajun flavors.


Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this bold, cheesy Cajun spaghetti, here are a few more rich and creamy pasta recipes you should check out:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again when that creamy craving hits.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Try smoked cheese? Add veggies?

I always love seeing your twists on these recipes. Let’s keep the flavor ideas going! And if you’re hunting for more delicious meals, check out my daily updates on Pinterest – Life with Nina.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites

Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 5 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet + Oven Broil
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired

Description

Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is a bold, spicy, and indulgent dinner that’s loaded with flavor. With tender spaghetti coated in a Cajun-spiced beef sauce and blanketed in a rich, velvety mix of parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses, it’s baked to bubbly perfection in one skillet. A comfort food dream with just the right kick.


Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef

12 ounces spaghetti

1 tablespoon butter

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)


Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until translucent.

3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully done.

4. Reduce heat slightly and pour in heavy cream. Stir well.

5. Gradually add parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.

6. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat, using reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Transfer to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Top with extra mozzarella and cheddar.

8. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.


Notes

For a smoother sauce, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded.

To lower the spice, use half the amount of Cajun seasoning or a mild blend.

This dish is best eaten fresh; reheating may require a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 27g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: cajun spaghetti, creamy beef pasta, skillet pasta, cheese spaghetti

Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Pasta