Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

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Imagine a bowl brimming with tender rotini, richly coated in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, paired with juicy ground beef and savory notes of garlic and peppers. This Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight is the ultimate comfort food that turns a simple dinner into something bold, hearty, and unforgettable.

This dish hits all the right notes—a little spice from the Cajun seasoning, luscious creaminess from the sauce, and a hearty bite from perfectly cooked pasta and ground beef. Whether you’re cooking for family night or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings full-on flavor without complicated steps.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

This recipe is a winner for anyone who loves a cozy bowl of pasta with a twist. The Cajun spices give it a little kick without overpowering the creaminess, while the ground beef ensures it’s filling enough to stand on its own. It all comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and homemade.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight?

Rotini is a fantastic choice for this dish because the spirals trap the creamy sauce beautifully in every bite. However, if you’re out of rotini, feel free to substitute with penne or fusilli—just aim for a pasta with ridges or curves to hold onto all that spiced creamy goodness.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

For this dish, each ingredient has a clear purpose to build layers of flavor and texture. From the seasoning that adds that classic Cajun warmth to the pasta that holds everything together, you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready before you start cooking.

  • Ground beef: Provides the hearty, protein-rich base that soaks up all the delicious spices.
  • Rotini pasta: Twisted pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly in every bite.
  • Heavy cream: Creates the silky, rich sauce that balances out the spices.
  • Cajun seasoning: Brings the signature heat and complexity that defines this dish.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the flavor profile.
  • Bell peppers: Provide sweetness and color, adding freshness to every forkful.
  • Onion: Enhances the savory depth and rounds out the dish.
  • Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
  • Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and build a flavorful base.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple yet essential for seasoning throughout.
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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the beef cooks, boil the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the beef. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Add some reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight

This dish is a full-flavored, satisfying meal all on its own, and it comfortably feeds four hungry people. To serve, scoop generous portions into shallow bowls to keep the creamy sauce evenly distributed. For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra dash of Parmesan on top makes it pop.

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original richness.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight?

Garlic Bread with Herbs

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly and helps scoop up every bit of sauce.

Cajun Potato Soup

A double-hit of Cajun flavor that starts your meal with a cozy, creamy spoonful.

Garden Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

If you’re feeding a crowd, this adds a protein option that complements the flavors well.

Creamy Corn Dip

Perfect as a starter, its sweetness balances the spices in the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted veggies provide a nutritious and slightly charred contrast.

Sparkling Lemonade or Sweet Tea

Keep things light and refreshing with a beverage that cuts through the richness.

Want More Cajun-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight made your weeknight meal extra special, you’ll want to explore more flavor-packed options like these:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun or keep it mild? Did you swap in sausage or use a plant-based twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great! Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight brings together bold Southern flavor and everyday comfort in one skillet. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner and delicious enough to serve at gatherings. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it to your liking, this dish is bound to make repeat appearances on your table.

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Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini Delight is a flavorful one-skillet pasta recipe loaded with spicy Cajun seasoning, tender ground beef, and rotini in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. This comforting dinner is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

12 oz rotini pasta

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.

2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Meanwhile, cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

4. Stir heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add pasta water if needed to thin sauce.

5. Add cooked rotini to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste depending on spice preference.

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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