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
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