CHEESY ROTINI WITH CAJUN GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF
Ingredients:
1½ lbs ground beef
12 oz rotini pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions:
Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan and cheddar. Let the sauce simmer until thick and creamy.
Stir in the cooked rotini and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4–6 | Calories: ~765 per serving