If you’re craving a dish that wraps bold Cajun flavors in a rich, velvety blanket of cheese, then you have to try this Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s everything you want from comfort food—a hearty, spicy, cheesy experience nestled in perfectly cooked spaghetti. The combination of smoky Cajun-seasoned ground beef with a luscious three-cheese Parmesan sauce creates an irresistible medley that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends without too much fuss. Each bite is a celebration of flavor that’s downright addictive and sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Simple yet bursting with personality, each component plays a key role in layering the taste, texture, and even the visual appeal of the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings protein and savoury depth.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The perfect pasta to soak up that creamy cheese sauce without losing its bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch to balance the spice.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses vibrant aroma and sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Delivers the signature smoky, spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat without overpowering.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy backbone of the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For tangy, melty complexity.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings stretch and gooey creaminess.
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty punch that elevates every bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a burst of herbal brightness.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating consistency.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente, meaning tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta but make sure to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s a game changer for smoothing out the sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they’re translucent and fragrant. This soft, flavorful base adds a lovely sweetness and depth to complement the bold Cajun spices.
Step 3: Brown the Beef with Cajun Seasoning
Add your ground beef to the skillet and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. The Cajun spice melds beautifully with the beef’s natural savoriness, creating that signature zesty punch.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Lower the heat slightly before pouring in the heavy cream. Stir it into the beef mixture to combine, creating a rich and silky base. This step transforms the dish from a simple skillet of meat and pasta into something wonderfully indulgent.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Slowly incorporate the Parmesan, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly. This careful mixing melts everything into a perfectly smooth and creamy three-cheese Parmesan sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
Step 6: Toss Spaghetti in the Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to make sure the noodles are coated evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water, a secret trick to loosen and enhance the silkiness without watering down the flavors.
Step 7: Broil for a Golden Finish
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish or keep it in your skillet if it’s broiler-friendly. Top with a little extra mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns irresistibly golden brown on top.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Hot
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the finished dish to add a pop of vibrant green and a fresh herby lift, rounding out that rich, spicy, cheesy flavor perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the fresh parsley, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or a handful of sliced green onions for a little extra color and brightness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes turns up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous, while a squeeze of lemon juice can balance the creaminess with a tangy zest.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with something crisp and refreshing. Think a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty French bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce—because there will be leftover sauce, trust me!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this spicy creamy delight in cast iron skillets for a rustic vibe that keeps your dish warm longer. Alternatively, plate each portion with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few whole basil leaves for a touch of elegance that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepens beautifully as they rest, but the cheese sauce may thicken—don’t worry, reheating is simple.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture is best fresh. If freezing, place portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works fine too, but stirring halfway through helps prevent any uneven heating or dryness. This way, your Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe stays just as dreamy as day one.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great here because of its shape and texture, feel free to swap in fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level mainly depends on the Cajun seasoning you choose. Most store-bought blends have a moderate kick, but you can adjust by adding more seasoning or tossing in extra chili flakes if you love it fiery.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to keep that satisfying texture while maintaining the creamy and spicy elements of the sauce.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
The three cheeses in this recipe each contribute something special: sharp cheddar for tang, mozzarella for stretch, and Parmesan for nuttiness. Using freshly grated cheeses yields the creamiest, most flavorful sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Just keep your sauce a little loose when storing, so it doesn’t dry out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe enough—it’s the ultimate comfort meal that feels fancy without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it brings warm, cheesy, perfectly spiced satisfaction to the table. Give it a whirl and watch this become one of your go-to dishes for busy evenings that crave something special.
Print
Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti with Three-Cheese Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Cajun Beef Spaghetti combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with a rich three-cheese parmesan sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese topping. This hearty dish offers a flavorful Cajun twist on a classic pasta dinner, perfect for a comforting meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to combine with the beef mixture.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Gradually add the parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses to the skillet. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and smooth the sauce.
- Prepare for Broiling: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Evenly top with extra mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a bubbly crust.
- Broil: Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbling. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish and serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes instead.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
