Description
This Penne with Creamy Velveeta Four-Cheese and Cajun Beef Bites recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. It features seared, flavorful Cajun beef bites served alongside tender penne pasta coated in a smooth, cheesy sauce made from Velveeta, cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack. Creamy, bold, and satisfying—perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into cubes
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
8 oz penne pasta
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cajun Beef Bites
2. Pat beef cubes dry and coat evenly in Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a hot skillet over medium-high. Sear beef in batches until browned and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
3.
4. Cook the Pasta
5. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
6.
7. Make the Cheese Sauce
8. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and let it bubble lightly. Stir in Velveeta cubes until mostly melted. Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack. Stir continuously until smooth. Mix in garlic and onion powder. Add pasta water to loosen if needed.
9.
10. Combine with Pasta
11. Add cooked penne to the skillet and stir gently until fully coated in cheese sauce. Let simmer 1–2 minutes for flavors to marry.
12.
13. Serve
14. Plate pasta and top or serve with Cajun beef bites. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the smoothest cheese sauce, melt Velveeta slowly on low heat and stir constantly to prevent clumps.
Don’t skip patting the beef dry—it ensures a good sear for maximum flavor.
Reserve and use pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce without thinning it too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun beef, Velveeta recipe