Cajun Cheesy Beef Rotini

This Cajun cheesy beef rotini delivers incredible flavor in every bite, combining perfectly cooked pasta with seasoned ground beef in a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made this dish when we needed quick comfort food after a long day of moving into our new home. The combination of creamy cheese sauce and bold Cajun spices immediately turned it into our family's most requested pasta dish when we need something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 1 pound creates the hearty foundation use 80/20 for best flavor
• Rotini pasta: 12 ounces holds the sauce perfectly in its spirals
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons helps brown the beef beautifully
• Cajun seasoning: 2 teaspoons provides the signature flavor profile look for brands without added salt
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon infuses garlic flavor throughout the dish
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon adds subtle smokiness and depth
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon provides savory notes without chunks of onion
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup creates richness and silky texture
• Whole milk: 1/2 cup balances the heaviness while maintaining creaminess
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup melts beautifully and adds sharp flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup adds nutty notes and thickens the sauce
• Cream cheese: 1/4 cup creates an irresistibly smooth sauce texture
• Salt: 1 teaspoon enhances all the flavors
• Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon adds subtle warmth
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons creates silkiness in the sauce
• Fresh parsley: chopped brightens the rich dish
• Red pepper flakes (optional): adds customizable heat level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add rotini pasta and cook until just al dente about 8 to 9 minutes. The pasta should have a slight firmness as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to preserve the starch that helps sauce adhesion.

Brown the Beef:

Heat a large deep skillet over medium high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering add the ground beef breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until beef is fully browned with no pink remaining. If there is excessive fat carefully drain most of it while retaining about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

Season the Meat:

Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning garlic powder smoked paprika onion powder salt and pepper evenly over the browned meat. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the spices to toast and bloom in the hot pan. This critical step releases the essential oils in the spices dramatically enhancing their flavors.

Create the Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium and add the butter allowing it to melt completely. Pour in the heavy cream and milk stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Add the softened cream cheese in small pieces stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. Gradually add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses handful by handful stirring constantly until fully incorporated and silky smooth.

Combine and Finish:

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce flavors. The sauce should cling to the pasta creating a cohesive dish.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley. Add red pepper flakes if desired for additional heat. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the best texture and flavor experience.

Save This

You Must Know

The Cajun seasoning is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered this particular combination of spices during a trip to Louisiana where a local chef shared his secret blend. While store bought works perfectly well I sometimes make my own by combining paprika garlic powder onion powder oregano thyme cayenne and black pepper for an extra personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pasta dish can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating add a splash of milk and stir gently over medium low heat until warmed through. The sauce may initially appear separated but will come back together with gentle heating and stirring. For meal prep I often cook the beef with seasonings ahead of time then complete the dish with fresh pasta and sauce when ready to serve.

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes endless variations to suit your preferences or pantry availability. For a lighter version substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use half and half instead of heavy cream. Vegetable lovers can add diced bell peppers sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach stirred in just before adding the pasta. For a spicier kick increase the Cajun seasoning or add diced jalapeños. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations I particularly enjoy using smoked gouda or pepper jack for interesting flavor variations.

Save This

Serving Suggestions

Transform this hearty pasta into a complete meal by adding simple complementary sides. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or buttery Texas toast makes the perfect vehicle for scooping up extra sauce. For a more substantial spread roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli balance the meal nicely. When entertaining I serve this in a large shallow bowl garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan along with a bottle of bold red wine for a casual yet impressive dinner.

The History Behind the Dish

This recipe represents a delightful fusion of Italian pasta tradition with bold Cajun flavors that originated in Louisiana. Cajun cuisine developed from French Acadian settlers adapting their cooking to local ingredients and influences in the Louisiana bayou region. The signature seasoning blend typically includes paprika cayenne pepper garlic powder onion powder and various herbs. By combining these distinctive flavors with classic Italian pasta and a creamy cheese sauce we get a perfect example of American fusion cooking that celebrates multiple culinary traditions while creating something uniquely satisfying and accessible for home cooks.

Common Queries

→ What makes this Cajun beef rotini creamy?

The creamy texture comes from a combination of heavy cream, whole milk, cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan, all blended together for a smooth, rich sauce.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rotini?

Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well to hold the creamy sauce and beef mixture, so feel free to substitute with your favorite shape.

→ Is it possible to adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can reduce or increase the Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes to taste. For less heat, use a mild Cajun blend or omit the flakes.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap in lean ground beef or ground turkey, use light cream cheese, or replace heavy cream with half-and-half or extra milk for a lighter texture.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to retain creaminess.