Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo with Ground Beef is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender fettuccine with a creamy, spicy sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning, paired perfectly with browned ground beef. It’s an easy-to-make comforting meal with a Cajun twist, ideal for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Lower the heat and add softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and blends with the beef.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season with Cajun Spices: Mix in Cajun seasoning, adjusting amount to your preferred spiciness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.