Creamy Cajun Beef Linguine in Garlic Cheese Sauce

This rich and flavorful pasta dish combines seasoned ground beef with a creamy garlic cheese sauce, infused with Cajun spices for a perfect balance of heat and comfort. It’s a quick weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Cajun Beef:

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Cheese Sauce & Pasta:

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning

Instructions

1. Cook the Linguine
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Cajun Beef
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until fully browned and flavorful. Drain any excess grease if needed, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine Everything
   Return the cooked Cajun beef to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy garlic cheese sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, adjusting with more pasta water if needed.
5. Serve
   Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired. Enjoy hot!

This dish serves about 4-6 people and comes together in under 30 minutes. Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to control the spice level.