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

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a big bowl of pasta that delivers both comfort and a little kick of spice. This dish blends tender bowtie pasta with savory ground beef, smoky sausage, and a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce that’s been kissed with bold Cajun seasoning. The result is a meal that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this pasta balances heat and richness in the most delicious way. The beef and sausage bring hearty depth, while the creamy sauce mellows the Cajun spices just enough to keep you coming back for another bite. With every forkful, you get a taste of Louisiana-inspired comfort with a gourmet touch.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make but still feels like a treat, this one checks all the boxes. It’s flavorful without being overpowering, creamy without being heavy, and hearty enough to satisfy big appetites. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable — you can dial up the spice, swap the meat, or sneak in extra veggies without losing its charm.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

While bowtie pasta is the star here, you could easily make this with penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Bowties are ideal because their shape holds onto the creamy sauce and bits of meat, making each bite full of flavor. If you want to keep that perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio, stick with short pasta shapes that have some texture to catch the goodness.

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

This recipe uses a mix of everyday staples and bold seasonings to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of taste, from the richness of the meats to the creaminess of the sauce.

• Bowtie pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully in every crevice.
• Ground beef – Brings a hearty, savory base to the dish.
• Smoked sausage – Adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the Cajun spices.
• Cajun seasoning – Infuses the pasta with bold, zesty heat.
• Fresh garlic – Enhances the sauce with aromatic richness.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, velvety texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive oil – For browning the meats and building flavor.
• Salt & pepper – Balances and enhances the flavors.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the bowtie pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

Step 2 – Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, ground beef, and sliced smoked sausage. Cook until the beef is browned and the sausage edges are slightly crisp.

Step 3 – Build the Flavor Base

Add minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir well to coat the meat.

Step 4 – Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5 – Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

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Serving and Storing This Pasta

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, where the creamy sauce clings perfectly to the bowties. It serves about 4 to 6 people generously, making it great for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread with Herbs

A warm, crusty loaf brushed with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

Fresh Garden Salad

A light salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.

Grilled Asparagus

Adds a fresh, slightly smoky touch that pairs beautifully with Cajun flavors.

Roasted Zucchini

Tender, slightly caramelized zucchini rounds complement the pasta’s spice.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn adds a juicy contrast to the creamy, savory pasta.

Cajun Roasted Potatoes

For a double dose of Cajun seasoning, serve these crispy potatoes on the side.

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Want More Cajun-Inspired Ideas?

If you love this Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful creations:

• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine with a silky sauce and a kick of spice.
• Cajun Potato Soup for a comforting bowl of bold flavors.
• Flavorful Jambalaya with layers of meat, vegetables, and Cajun seasoning.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And when you make it, let me know how it turned out! Did you stick with beef and sausage, or try your own twist? I love hearing how others put their own spin on my recipes.

Explore even more delicious dinner ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite meal.

Conclusion

Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect blend of comfort food and bold, zesty flavor. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, making it just as welcome at a weeknight table as at a special occasion. With each bite, you’ll taste the hearty meats, creamy sauce, and that unmistakable Cajun warmth.

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