Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce is a fantastic dish that offers a hearty meal with a burst of flavor. The combination of creamy Velveeta cheese, seasoned ground beef, and al dente penne pasta creates a satisfying plate that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

How to Make Delicious Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 10 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt (to taste)
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked. If there is excess fat, drain it off.
3. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef. Stir well to coat, then let it cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely into a smooth sauce.
5. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Fold in the cooked penne pasta and the diced tomatoes, if using. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning, if you like.

How to Serve Delicious Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

Serve this delicious pasta hot right from the skillet for the best taste. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. A sprinkle of cheese on top can also enhance the dish, making it even more inviting!

How to Store Delicious Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a little milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Delicious Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

• Make sure to stir the cheese sauce constantly to avoid burning or clumping.
• For a bit more heat, adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste.
• Customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients.

Variation

You can switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Additionally, try swapping Velveeta for a different cheese like cream cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein or mushrooms for a meat-free version.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A hearty and flavorful creamy penne pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef and Velveeta cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 10 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt (to taste)
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef, stirring well to coat and cooking for 2 more minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely into a smooth sauce.
5. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
6. Fold in the cooked penne pasta and optional diced tomatoes, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Cajun seasoning, if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add milk or reserved pasta water when reheating if needed.

• Author: nevaeh-hall
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg