Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Garlic Sauce
Spicy Cajun Bowtie Pasta with Beef, Sausage & Garlic Sauce is a bold, hearty, and creamy dish that combines perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with savory ground beef, smoky andouille sausage, and a rich garlic sauce infused with authentic Cajun spices. This versatile recipe is quick to prepare, delivering a satisfying spicy meal that’s perfect for any season or weeknight dinner.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta option)
Pasta
Meats
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
- Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook sliced andouille sausage until browned and slightly crispy, then combine with the beef.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning for that signature kick. Add diced tomatoes and simmer briefly to meld flavors together.
- Add Cream and Combine: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to create a rich, velvety sauce. Return the cooked meats to the pan and mix thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Toss Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the flavorful sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Meat Mixture: Browning the beef and sausage separately ensures better texture and more even cooking.
- Fresh Spices: Using fresh Cajun seasoning or grinding your own blend packs more punch than pre-mixed versions.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Bowtie pasta should remain slightly firm so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Balance Creaminess: Add cream gradually and adjust to match your preferred sauce thickness.
- Rest Before Serving: A few minutes resting lets flavors marry even more beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, Spicy pasta, Bowtie pasta, Beef pasta, Andouille sausage, Garlic sauce, Creamy pasta, Spicy Cajun, Weeknight dinner, Comfort food