MELTY CAJUN BEEF AND CREAMY CHEESY ROTINI
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Directions:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Season the beef: Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the seasonings.
Make the creamy sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Add the cream cheese and both cheeses (cheddar and Parmesan). Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Combine: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss it with the creamy Cajun beef mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the cheesy, spicy sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, cheesy, spicy goodness!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~700 per serving