Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can easily substitute with half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter version. And for a vegetarian twist, swap the beef with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, ensuring the beef is well-coated with the spices. This is where the magic happens, as the spices begin to release their aroma.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy the comforting, spicy warmth of this dish with your loved ones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Beef Pasta, recipe, cooking, food
