Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
Welcome to a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce brings together rich flavors and creamy textures. This dish combines the boldness of Cajun spices with the comforting essence of spaghetti, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty meal that is both flavorful and satisfying. The unique blend of Cajun seasoning adds a kick, while the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Plus, who can resist the charm of cheesy pasta?
How to Make Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
Making Cajun Beef Spaghetti is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a dish that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin sauce)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Directions:
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season the beef with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then add the Parmesan and cheddar (or mozzarella). Stir until everything melts into a rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy Cajun sauce.
- Top with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.
How to Serve Cajun Beef Spaghetti
Cajun Beef Spaghetti is best served warm straight from the skillet. You can place it in large bowls or on plates and sprinkle with additional parsley or green onions for a fresh touch. A side salad or garlic bread would make a great addition to this meal.
How to Store Cajun Beef Spaghetti
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy.
Tips to Make Cajun Beef Spaghetti
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti; it should be al dente to hold its texture in the sauce.
Variations
Feel free to swap the cheeses! You can use any combination of cheeses you like. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can replace the ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat to make it vegetarian.
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fettuccine.
Q: How do I make it spicy?
A: To spice it up, add more Cajun seasoning or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Enjoy your Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce, and happy cooking!
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Cajun Beef Spaghetti in Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining Cajun spices and creamy textures for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin sauce)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season the beef with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then add the Parmesan and cheddar (or mozzarella). Stir until everything melts into a rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy Cajun sauce.
- Top with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference. Consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun, Beef, Pasta, Spaghetti, Cheese, Creamy Sauce
