Cheesy Cajun Beef Tortellini Smothered in Creamy Garlic Alfredo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is pure comfort food with a spicy twist. The Cajun-seasoned beef adds depth and heat, while the cheese tortellini delivers that tender, melty bite. The creamy garlic Alfredo sauce ties everything together into one decadent skillet dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• Ground beef
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: red pepper flakes for more heat, mozzarella cheese for topping

Directions

1. Cook the tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in Cajun seasoning. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to toast. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter or a splash of olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Add cheeses: Stir in cream cheese (if using) and Parmesan. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine everything: Return the beef to the skillet along with the cooked tortellini. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired), and extra Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for more heat.
• Vegetable Add-In: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and broil until bubbly and golden.
• Chicken Option: Substitute ground beef with Cajun-seasoned ground chicken or sausage.
• Lighter Alfredo: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just cook it according to the package directions before adding to the skillet.

What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?

Any store-bought Cajun blend works well, or make your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.

Can I make it without cream cheese?

Yes, the sauce will still be rich with just heavy cream and Parmesan. Cream cheese just makes it extra creamy.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, skip the beef or substitute with plant-based ground meat or roasted veggies.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from curdling?

Simmer on low to medium heat and avoid boiling the cream once the cheese is added.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and adds better flavor.

What other pasta can I use?

Ravioli, penne, or rotini all work well in place of tortellini.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild to medium heat, depending on your Cajun seasoning. Adjust to taste.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider thickening with a roux or adding more cheese.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and keeps for several days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Cheesy Cajun Beef Tortellini Smothered in Creamy Garlic Alfredo is the ultimate one-skillet meal—rich, bold, and full of personality. The spice from the Cajun beef combined with the creamy Alfredo sauce and tender cheese tortellini creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this pasta is sure to impress.

Cheesy Cajun Beef Tortellini Smothered in Creamy Garlic Alfredo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cheesy Cajun Beef Tortellini Smothered in Creamy Garlic Alfredo is a hearty, flavor-packed one-skillet meal that combines Cajun-spiced ground beef, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich homemade garlic Alfredo sauce. Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy, it’s comfort food with a bold twist.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion (Cajun & Italian)
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
2. 1 pound ground beef
3. 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
4. 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
7. 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
8. 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
9. Salt, to taste
10. Black pepper, to taste
11. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
12. Optional: red pepper flakes (for more heat)
13. Optional: 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in Cajun seasoning and cook 1–2 minutes to toast the spices. Remove beef and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter or oil until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in cream cheese (if using) and Parmesan, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Return cooked beef and tortellini to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the Alfredo sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan or mozzarella if desired.

Notes

• For more spice, add extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
• This dish works with other pastas like ravioli, penne, or rotini.
• If reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping beef or substituting with plant-based ground meat or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 115mg