Cajun Beef Three-Cheese Spaghetti (Print Version)
Cajun-spiced beef, creamy three-cheese sauce, and spaghetti blend in rich, bold flavors for a satisfying meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
02 -
12 oz dried spaghetti
03 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Seasonings
04 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce and Finishing
10 -
1 cup heavy cream
11 -
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese
13 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, if needed
14 -
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water before draining. Set pasta aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink.
03 -
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
04 -
Pour heavy cream into the skillet, then add grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar or mozzarella. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
05 -
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly with tongs until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy Cajun cheese sauce.
06 -
Transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately while hot.
# Notes:
01 -
For optimal sauce texture, gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust creaminess without thinning the flavor.