Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

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Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and packed with bold flavor—this Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce is the kind of comforting meal that turns an ordinary night into a cozy, soul-satisfying experience. Picture tender penne pasta drenched in a smoky Cajun Alfredo sauce, blended with melty Velveeta cheese, and topped with juicy beef crumbles and red bell peppers. It’s rich, savory, and impossible not to crave.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta delivers a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and kick. It all comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a weeknight hero. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it might just become your go-to comfort food.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne pasta is ideal for this dish because its tube shape holds the creamy sauce in every bite. You could also swap it for rigatoni or ziti if needed, but penne keeps the texture fun and consistent. Al dente is the key—cook it just right so it doesn’t get mushy after being tossed with the sauce.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

• Penne Pasta: This holds the sauce beautifully and stays tender yet firm.
• Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and bold, savory flavor. Seasoned well, it brings the Cajun notes to life.
• Red Bell Peppers: Their sweetness balances the spicy Cajun kick and adds color and crunch.
• Velveeta Cheese: The creamy foundation of our sauce—smooth, melty, and nostalgic.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, velvety base that ties the cheese and Cajun seasoning together.
• Cajun Seasoning: The signature spice blend that gives the dish heat and soul.
• Garlic Powder + Onion Powder: Enhances the savory base without overpowering.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkled on top for that bubbly, golden finish.
• Parsley (optional): For a pop of freshness and color to garnish.

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How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well.

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Step 3: Sauté the Peppers

Add diced red bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but still hold a slight crunch. This adds both flavor and color to your dish.

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Step 4: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and stir to deglaze the skillet. Add Velveeta cheese cubes and stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy, Cajun-spiced sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 6: Broil with Mozzarella (Optional)

Transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley for a final fresh touch.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

This dish is best served hot and fresh right after broiling—the mozzarella will be melty and irresistible, and the sauce at peak creaminess. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning on top can boost the flavor if you love extra heat.

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, or warm over low heat on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Velveeta?

You can substitute with cream cheese and shredded cheddar, though the texture may be less smooth. Velveeta melts more consistently into a creamy base.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. You can also leave out the extra pepper flakes if you add any.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly when reheated. For best results, enjoy within a few days fresh from the fridge.

What meat alternatives can I use?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Just be sure to season generously to keep the bold flavor profile.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Rigatoni, ziti, or rotini will all hold the sauce beautifully if you don’t have penne on hand.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the meat and double up on the bell peppers. Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra heartiness.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you loved this Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta, you’ll want to try these other comfort-loaded pasta creations:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a velvety, herby twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta when you’re craving something savory and classic.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce if you’re all about that signature Velveeta melt.
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta for bold garlic heat and richness.
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner that simplifies everything with one pan and tons of flavor.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s always just a click away: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Maybe try a plant-based twist? Drop a comment below and let me know what you added—sharing tips helps everyone create their perfect version!

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