Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce 🍝🔥
This bold and comforting dish brings together the fiery flavors of Cajun cuisine and the indulgent richness of Italian cream sauces. Tender spaghetti noodles are tossed in a luxuriously creamy three-cheese sauce, paired with juicy Cajun-seasoned ground beef — a fusion that’s irresistibly flavorful and deeply satisfying.
Introduction
If you’re craving a pasta dinner that’s hearty, creamy, and packed with a little southern flair, this Cajun Beef Spaghetti will hit the spot. The smoky heat of Cajun seasoning mingles beautifully with garlic, onions, and a velvety three-cheese sauce made from Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough to make at home — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Beef:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season the beef with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat in the spices and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt into a silky sauce. Season with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley or green onions.
Tips for the Best Cajun Beef Spaghetti
- Customize the Heat: If you love it spicy, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, reduce the seasoning slightly.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or cheddar for a sharper bite.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully — store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Creamy Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce is comfort food at its finest — creamy, spicy, and full of personality. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of rich cheese, savory beef, and Cajun heat. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, asking for seconds. Whether for family dinner or date night, this skillet pasta is sure to impress!