Name: Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or to taste); 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

This Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta is pure comfort food in a bowl. Imagine tender rotini pasta tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo-Velveeta sauce, layered with bold Cajun-seasoned ground beef and finished off with a generous sprinkle of garlic and parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket, satisfying every savory craving.

Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend indulgence, this pasta recipe combines the creamy tang of Alfredo, the bold kick of Cajun spices, and the comforting twist of cheesy rotini. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and comes together in under 30 minutes. What more could you want from a one-bowl wonder?

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli is ideal here because the spirals grip onto the creamy Alfredo Velveeta sauce beautifully. The crevices soak up every bit of flavor from the Cajun beef and cheesy coating, so every bite is bursting with taste. You can substitute with penne or bowtie pasta, but for the best sauce cling, stick with the twists!

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta

Rotini Pasta – The perfect pasta shape to trap the creamy sauce and seasonings in every spiral.

Ground Beef – Adds heartiness and protein. Seasoned with Cajun spices for bold, zesty flavor.

Cajun Seasoning – This is the flavor powerhouse of the dish. A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne brings heat and depth.

Velveeta Cheese – The key to a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce. It melts down beautifully and pairs wonderfully with Alfredo.

Alfredo Sauce – Adds rich, buttery creaminess and complements the Velveeta perfectly.

Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic sautéed into the beef boosts the savory notes and brings balance to the richness.

Parmesan Cheese – A sharp, nutty finishing touch that melts over the top for an irresistible golden layer.

Butter – Enhances the garlic and adds that silky texture to the overall dish.

Parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and a hint of freshness at the end.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Beef

In a large skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked.

Step 3: Season with Cajun Spices

Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to coat every bit of meat in those smoky, spicy flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed for more heat or depth.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Turn the heat to low. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce slightly if it gets too thick.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat every twist with the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors really come together.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top and let it melt into the sauce. Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta

This pasta is best served hot and fresh off the stove. The cheese is at its gooey peak, the sauce coats the spirals beautifully, and the Cajun spice lingers warmly on your palate.

Pair it with a crisp side salad or buttery garlic bread to complete the meal. It’s also a hit at potlucks or casual family gatherings—just keep it warm in a crockpot or covered baking dish.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

No worries! You can make a quick version using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Adjust the blend to your spice comfort level.

Can I use another type of cheese instead of Velveeta?

Absolutely. Cream cheese, cheddar, or a cheese blend work too. Velveeta melts extra smooth, but other options bring more sharpness or stretch.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a noticeable kick from the Cajun seasoning, but it’s easy to dial up or down based on your preference. Start with a little, then taste and build heat if you like it hot.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Make the pasta and beef mixture ahead and store them separately. Reheat together with the sauce just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What proteins can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles will work here. Just be sure to season generously to keep that bold Cajun flavor going strong.

Will this freeze well?

You can freeze it, but creamy sauces can separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in individual portions and stir well when reheating.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta, here are a few more dinner favorites that bring bold flavor and comforting textures to your plate:

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a richer take on garlic sauce.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce if you’re craving another cheesy beef twist.
One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta for steak lovers who like heat.
Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet for a surf-and-turf pasta fusion.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli when you want to sneak in some green and still keep it cozy.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up whenever comfort food calls. Follow me on Pinterest here → Life with Nina

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or mellow? Use a different cheese combo? Add mushrooms or bell peppers?

Tell me in the comments! Your kitchen twist could inspire someone else’s next dinner win. Let’s share and cook smarter together.

Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

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Description

This bold and creamy pasta dish combines the spicy comfort of Cajun ground beef with buttery garlic, cheesy Velveeta, and a smooth Alfredo finish. Twisted rotini pasta catches every drop of flavor, making it a perfect weeknight family meal or cozy weekend dinner indulgence.