Description
Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce combines tender penne pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce made from Velveeta cheese and heavy cream, enhanced with flavorful Cajun seasoning and savory ground beef. This hearty and comforting dish is easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups penne pasta
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and black pepper. Cook the beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add cream and seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Cajun seasoning evenly.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Optional broil with mozzarella: Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then place under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch, and serve the dish hot.
Notes
- You can substitute Velveeta cheese with processed cheese slices or a mix of cheddar and cream cheese for a different texture.
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to your taste preferences for more or less spice.
- The broiling step is optional but adds a deliciously melted and golden mozzarella topping.
- Use fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish before serving.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
