Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned lean ground beef combined with a rich sauce made from cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Tossed with tender spaghetti and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting meal offers a perfect balance of bold spice and cheesy indulgence, ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free optional (replace spaghetti with gluten-free or zucchini noodles)
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic, cayenne, herbs blend)
- Salt to taste
Pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Others
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Toss in the ground beef, seasoning generously with Cajun seasoning and salt, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat. Gradually add cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely into a smooth, thick sauce.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cooked Cajun beef in the skillet. Stir gently to combine, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Toss with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening for better coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an optional dusting of extra Parmesan for a vibrant, flavorful presentation. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh spices or a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best.
- Slowly melt the cheeses over low heat to prevent clumping and ensure a silky sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and cream quantities to balance spice and creaminess to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cajun beef spaghetti, three-cheese pasta, creamy Parmesan sauce, spicy pasta dish, comfort food