Description
Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce is a rich, cheesy, slightly spicy weeknight dinner. Tender penne, seasoned ground beef, and a silky Cajun Alfredo made with Velveeta for maximum creaminess.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp fine salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella, optional for broiling
Instructions
1. Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne to al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Add ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Saute aromatics: Add red bell pepper and garlic. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until peppers soften and garlic is fragrant.
4. Make Cajun base: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning until combined and steaming.
5. Melt cheese: Add Velveeta cubes and stir until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust salt and pepper.
6. Combine: Add drained penne and toss to coat. Loosen with small splashes of reserved pasta water for a silky consistency.
7. Optional broil: Sprinkle mozzarella on top and broil 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly.
8. Finish: Top with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Salt smart: Cajun blends and processed cheeses can be salty.
Finish seasoning after the Velveeta melts.
Control the heat: For spicier pasta, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Sauce insurance: When reheating, add a splash of pasta water or cream to bring the silkiness back.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta / Dinner
- Method: Stovetop optional broil
- Cuisine: American Cajun Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 24
- Unsaturated Fat: 19
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 150