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

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

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If you’re in the mood for comfort food with a fiery twist, this Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta is the dish your dinner table has been missing. Loaded with bold Cajun spices, savory beef and sausage, and drenched in a creamy garlic sauce, every bite is an explosion of flavor. The bowtie pasta does a perfect job of capturing the sauce, ensuring that every forkful is deliciously coated.

What really sets this dish apart is how it brings together different textures and flavors—the heat of the Cajun blend, the richness of the cream sauce, the bite of perfectly cooked pasta, and the heartiness of the meat. It’s an easy one-pot meal that feels restaurant-worthy, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or looking for leftovers worth savoring, this pasta delivers.


What Kind of Bowtie Pasta Should I Use?

Any regular bowtie (farfalle) pasta works great, but I recommend using the traditional durum wheat kind for that firm texture that holds up to the creamy sauce. If you’re gluten-sensitive, a gluten-free version will also work—just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get too soft once tossed with the sauce.


Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta

Bowtie Pasta: Acts as the base and holds the sauce perfectly in its folds.

Ground Beef & Sausage: Adds depth and savory heartiness—a duo that brings richness to every bite.

Fresh Spinach: Introduces a pop of green and light freshness to balance the creamy and spicy elements.

Red Bell Pepper: Gives a sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast to the dish.

Heavy Cream: The silky element that brings everything together into a smooth, decadent sauce.

Minced Garlic: Essential for building a deeply flavorful base.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melted into the pasta, it gives a luscious finish with stringy, cheesy goodness.

Cajun Seasoning: The star spice—adds heat, smokiness, and southern soul.

Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.

Olive Oil or Butter: Needed for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.

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How To Make the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. Once al dente, drain and set aside—don’t rinse, so the starches help the sauce stick.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Sauté until both are fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add minced garlic and diced red bell peppers directly into the pan with the browned meat. Stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step infuses the base with a burst of flavor.

Step 4: Add Cajun Seasoning

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning generously—about 2 tablespoons to start (adjust to your heat preference). Stir well to coat everything evenly and toast the spices for a minute.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce starts to bubble gently. Add mozzarella cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine, making sure the sauce clings to every piece. Fold in fresh spinach at the end; it will wilt perfectly from the residual heat.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra cheese or chopped parsley on top if desired. This pasta is best enjoyed right away when it’s ultra-creamy and aromatic.


How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta

This pasta is best served hot and straight from the pan—when the cheese is gooey, the sauce is thick and glossy, and the flavors are at their peak. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or even a squeeze of lemon for a bit of brightness to cut the richness.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a buttery biscuit on the side fits right in.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. It can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some blends pack more heat than others. Start with a modest amount and build up to your spice tolerance. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you need more kick.

Can I use chicken instead of beef and sausage?

Absolutely! Cook diced chicken breast or thighs until golden and cooked through, then follow the rest of the recipe as written.

Is there a dairy-free version of this?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and satisfying.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but yes, you can freeze it. Let it cool fully and store it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with added cream or broth.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A skillet with a splash of cream or milk is ideal to restore the sauce’s texture. Microwaving works too but may require more stirring and liquid to revive the creaminess.

Will other pastas work with this sauce?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine will hold the sauce well. Bowtie is just extra fun and perfect for catching all the flavors.


Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these other bold and creamy favorites:

These recipes offer the same warmth, spice, and weeknight comfort that this bowtie dish delivers.

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I’d love to know how your Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta turned out! Did you use extra cheese? Toss in some mushrooms? Snap a photo and tag me or comment below. I always enjoy seeing your creations and twists—and don’t hesitate to ask questions, too.


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

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

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: Cajun-American

Description

Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort meal. It’s rich, creamy, spicy, and bursting with flavor from Cajun spices, savory meats, fresh veggies, and melty cheese. A hearty one-pan pasta dinner perfect for a weeknight feast or to impress a crowd.


Ingredients

Scale

12 oz bowtie pasta

1/2 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground sausage

2 cups fresh spinach

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter


Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and sausage. Break up the meat and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

3. Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

4. Add Cajun seasoning and stir to coat everything evenly. Toast spices in the pan for about 1 minute.

5. Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir until it begins to bubble. Gradually mix in mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Fold in fresh spinach and let it wilt in the residual heat.

7. Serve hot, garnished with more cheese or fresh parsley if desired.


Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Make sure to wilt the spinach last to keep its vibrant color and light texture.

If the sauce thickens too much while resting, add a splash of milk or cream before serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 41g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: spicy pasta, Cajun bowtie pasta, creamy garlic pasta

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