Description
Looking for a creamy, spicy, and comforting dinner idea? This Creamy Cajun Beef Alfredo Velveeta Penne Pasta is a bold twist on traditional Alfredo — loaded with flavor-packed ground beef, Cajun spices, and a silky Velveeta cheese sauce that hugs every bite of pasta. It’s one of those quick dinner recipes that delivers all the cozy vibes in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re into weeknight pasta ideas, spicy food, or hearty comfort meals, this dish has got it all. A total win for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone needing a serious food hug.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan (optional)
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional)
0.5 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
0.5 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Season beef with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream, then add Velveeta cubes. Stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
5. Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
6. Optionally, sprinkle in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan. Cover for 1–2 minutes to melt.
7. Garnish with red pepper flakes and parsley if desired.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Melt Velveeta over low heat to prevent the sauce from becoming gritty.
Don’t rinse the pasta—starch helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Add a splash of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, beef Alfredo, Cajun pasta, Velveeta recipes, easy dinner, comfort food