Description
Looking for a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor and ultra-creamy comfort? This Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce is your go-to recipe. A smooth and cheesy Alfredo made with Velveeta blends perfectly with Cajun-seasoned ground beef and al dente penne for a dish that’s both bold and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekend meals, this easy recipe is ideal for fans of spicy comfort food, cheesy pasta dishes, or easy dinner ideas. Great for leftovers, and kid-approved when the spice is toned down. Whether you're searching for quick dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, or a creamy weeknight comfort meal, this dish checks all the boxes!
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove beef and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Velveeta cubes and stir until fully melted and smooth.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until combined and creamy.
6. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir into the sauce.
7. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss until well coated in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Simmer for 1–2 minutes more.
9. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired.
Notes
For less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend.
Always cube Velveeta before adding it to the sauce to ensure even melting.
Use fresh Parmesan for better flavor and a smoother finish in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun beef pasta, quick dinner, Velveeta pasta, spicy Alfredo, easy comfort food, weeknight recipe