Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Break beef into smaller pieces and cook until fully browned with slightly crispy edges, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly, breaking up the cream cheese as it softens, until the mixture is completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add mozzarella cheese and stir until melted, then add Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until all cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.
- Return the cooked spaghetti and browned beef to the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything together until pasta is well coated with sauce. Let simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Turn off heat and taste for seasoning, adding salt if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Substitutions: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace the beef. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Make-Ahead: Brown the beef and prepare the sauce up to 1 day ahead. Store separately and combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve. Heat Level: Reduce Cajun seasoning by half for a milder version, or add cayenne pepper for extra spice.
