Description
Creamy Cajun Cream Cheese Alfredo Bowties combine perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with a luscious, creamy Cajun cream cheese Alfredo sauce enhanced by smoky, savory smoked turkey bacon. This quick and easy dish delivers bold, comforting flavors with a perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and crisp texture, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Bowtie Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy plant-based cream
- 4 oz plant-based cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup plant-based Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
- Fry the smoked turkey bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp and browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Prepare the Cajun Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 1 minute. Pour in the heavy plant-based cream and stir in the plant-based cream cheese until melted and smooth. Mix in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine. Simmer gently to thicken.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach a creamy consistency.
- Finish with cheese and bacon: Fold in the plant-based Parmesan cheese and cooked smoked turkey bacon pieces. Toss lightly once more to distribute evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature plant-based cream cheese to melt smoothly and avoid lumps.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and maintain creaminess.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control heat without overpowering the dish.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp for a desirable texture contrast.
- Toss pasta gently to keep bowties intact and well coated with sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cajun, creamy, plant-based, Alfredo, bowtie pasta, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, vegan, spicy, comfort food