Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce Easy Dinner

Stuffani Borjat

July 21, 2025

Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce with parsley and creamy garlic pasta sauce.high-protein pasta meals

Craving a bold, creamy dinner that’s easy, filling, and has just the right kick? This Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce is everything I love about comfort food pasta recipes hearty, rich, and unapologetically satisfying.

I created it for busy nights when we needed a little heat and a lot of heart. It’s family-friendly spicy pasta that feels indulgent but checks the box for budget-friendly creamy dinners too.

Table of Contents

Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce

I didn’t plan this Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce it started on a tired night with leftovers. Now it’s one of my favorite easy family dinner recipes, packed with flavor and perfect for budget-friendly creamy dinners that feel indulgent.

The Ingredients – Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients for Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce on a kitchen counter.family-friendly spicy pasta.
  • 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 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
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley (garnish)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions – Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Boil the pasta Cook rotini in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and set it aside.

Cooking rotini pasta in boiling salted water for high-protein creamy pasta meals
  • Stuffani’s advice: Don’t overcook it. Pasta that still has a little bite will hold its own under that rich, cheesy Cajun sauce. Want to explore another creamy skillet dish? Try this Creamy One Pot Cajun Beef and Cheddar Pasta.

Step 2: Brown the beef In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef. Break it up gently don’t rush it. Drain if needed.

Browning ground beef in olive oil for Cajun creamy garlic beef pasta skillet
  • Stuffani’s story: I learned to cook beef from my mom one eye on the stove, the other on us. Don’t just cook meat; watch it. Listen to the sizzle. It tells you when it’s right.

Step 3: Spice it with soul Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for 2–3 minutes.

 Adding Cajun seasoning and garlic to ground beef for creamy Cajun pasta skillet
  • Stuffani’s truth: This is where the flavor blooms. Let the spices hit the heat and come alive it’s the heart of every Cajun dish. You’ll smell it. You’ll feel it.

Step 4: Cream it up Reduce the heat. Add butter, then pour in cream and milk. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth.

Cream cheese, butter, and cheddar melting into Cajun-seasoned beef for garlic pasta sauce
  • Stuffani’s memory: I used to stir in panic. Now I stir in peace. There’s something meditative about watching cheese melt like your day’s slowly turning into dinner.

Step 5: Marry the pasta and sauce Add the cooked rotini and toss until every curve is coated in the creamy Cajun blend.

Tossing rotini into creamy Cajun garlic beef sauce for high-protein pasta skillet
  • Stuffani’s moment: This step always makes me pause. The sauce hugs the pasta like it means it. The kids start wandering in from the smell alone. That’s when I know dinner’s almost home.

Step 6: Garnish and serve Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold.

Creamy Cajun garlic beef rotini pasta garnished with parsley and red pepper flakes
  • Stuffani’s sign-off: I know a dish is ready when it makes me smile before the first bite. This one always does.

Or if you’re in a cheesier mood, the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet hits every craving in one skillet.Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Ways to Make It Yours And Still Melt-in-Your-Mouth Good

  • Some nights I follow the recipe to the letter.
  • Other nights? I wing it because the fridge says so, or my cravings demand it.

Quick swaps with whatever’s in your kitchen

Best Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce Tips:

  • No rotini? Use penne, fusilli, even egg noodles they all soak up sauce beautifully.
  • No ground beef? Ground turkey, spicy sausage, or leftover steak all work.
  • No cream? Sub half-and-half or evaporated milk in a pinch.
  • Add a veggie? Toss in spinach, corn, or sautéed peppers right before serving.

Simple ways to make it your own

Best Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce Custom Ideas:

  • Stir in cream cheese earlier for an extra velvety sauce
  • Craving bold heat? Add smoked chilis or a splash of hot sauce
  • Want more protein? Toss in a few shrimp or black beans at the end
  • Like it cheesier? Add a layer of cheddar and broil for 2–3 minutes

Serving and Storing Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce

How to serve it best

Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce deserves a moment.

  • Serve it hot, right from the skillet. That’s when the sauce is at its creamy, cheesy best.
  • Want to stretch it? Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies.
  • Feeding kids? Add just a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. They’ll love the melty pull.
  • For more cozy skillet dinners, try my Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. It hits the same comfort zone.

How to store Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Leftovers? Rare but when they happen, they’re gold.

  • Let it cool first so the sauce stays thick, not gummy
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • To reheat: add a splash of milk and warm slowly on the stove
  • Don’t microwave too fast. Let it warm through gently that keeps the best garlic sauce for pasta texture intact

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FAQs About Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce

  1. Can I make Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini ahead of time for meal prep?

    Yes! It reheats well and fits right into your weekly high-protein pasta meals perfect for prepping busy lunches or quick family dinners.

  2. What’s the best way to balance spice in Cajun pasta for kids?

    Start with half the Cajun seasoning and skip red pepper flakes. It still delivers flavor without overpowering a win for family-friendly spicy pasta.

  3. Is there a healthier way to make Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini without heavy cream?

    Try Greek yogurt or evaporated milk instead. You’ll still get creamy texture and flavor with less fat ideal for lighter comfort food pasta recipes.

  4. Can I freeze Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini, and how do I reheat it later?

    Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly with a splash of milk to restore the richness of that best garlic sauce for pasta.

Conclusion Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce

This Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce is more than dinner it’s comfort on hectic days. It’s my way of showing care when energy runs low. Let Cajun spice and creamy garlic bring joy to your table. You’ve got this because easy meals should still feel like love.

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Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce with parsley and creamy garlic pasta sauce.high-protein pasta meals

Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Author: Stuffani Borjat
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Cajun-American

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and boldly spiced this Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a comforting high-protein family dinner loaded with flavor and ready in under an hour.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 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
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley (garnish)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta Cook rotini in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the beef In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef. Break it up gently don’t rush it. Drain if needed.

Step 3: Spice it with soul Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Cream it up Reduce the heat. Add butter, then pour in cream and milk. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth.

Step 5: Marry the pasta and sauce Add the cooked rotini and toss until every curve is coated in the creamy Cajun blend.

Step 6: Garnish and serve Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold.


Notes

Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or rotisserie chicken for variation.

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini in Creamy Garlic Sauce, ground beef pasta skillet, creamy garlic pasta, high-protein pasta meals, comfort food pasta recipe

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