Description

This Creamy Cajun Beef and Rotini recipe offers a quick and indulgent weeknight meal packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce. Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, it combines the savory depth of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers with the creamy smoothness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, making it a comforting and flavorful dinner option for four.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces Rotini Pasta

Meat

1 pound Ground Beef (lean recommended)

Vegetables

1 cup Bell Peppers (red and green, chopped)
1 medium Yellow Onion (chopped)
3 cloves Garlic (minced)

Dairy

1 cup Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)

Seasonings and Oils

2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until browned completely and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Seasonings: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the beef mixture and allow it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun beef sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Final Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot for a comforting, rich weeknight meal.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top provides a fresh finish.
For gluten-free, substitute rotini with gluten-free pasta.