Description
A bold and creamy pasta dish combining zesty Cajun flavors with a rich three-cheese Parmesan sauce, perfect for both weeknight comfort and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned (about 6–8 minutes) and then set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (30–60 seconds).
- Pour in chicken or beef broth and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and combine with the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or extra broth.
- Toss the spaghetti in the sauce until coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a slightly lighter dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Adjust the Cajun seasoning as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun, Beef, Spaghetti, Pasta, Cheese