A quick and comforting pasta dish made with ground beef, Cajun seasoning, and a creamy sauce that coats every bite.

7 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)

9 ounces ground beef

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup chicken stock

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt, for the pasta water

Cooking oil, as needed

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1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente and reserve pasta water.

2. Brown ground beef in a skillet with oil.

3. Add red pepper and cook until slightly softened.

4. Stir in Cajun seasoning and tomato paste and cook briefly.

5. Pour in chicken stock and simmer gently.

6. Add pasta, cream cheese, and parsley, stirring until smooth.

7. Adjust sauce with pasta water if needed and serve hot.

Adjust spice level by choosing mild or hot Cajun seasoning. Add pasta water slowly to control sauce thickness.