Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate weeknight indulgence. Picture tender penne coated in a velvety, cheesy alfredo base, topped with savory Cajun-seasoned ground beef, and finished with just the right amount of spice. It’s rich, hearty, and just a little bit addictive.

Perfect for when you want to impress without stress, this dish is ready in under 45 minutes and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s also wonderfully customizable, so whether you like it extra spicy or ultra-cheesy, this recipe adapts to you. Serve it up family-style or portion it out for meal prep—either way, it won’t stick around for long!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into this creamy dream of a dinner, it helps to have the right tools on hand:

Large skillet or deep sauté pan: Essential for browning the beef and building that flavorful Cajun sauce. A deep pan helps contain splatter and leaves room for stirring everything together.
Large pot: For boiling the penne to al dente perfection. Don’t forget to salt your water!
Colander: To drain the pasta efficiently.

Whisk: Key for blending the Velveeta into a smooth, creamy alfredo base without lumps.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring the beef mixture and folding everything together at the end.

Having these essentials within reach will make your cooking smoother and cleanup faster.

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

Each ingredient plays a key role in building this mouthwatering recipe:

Penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto all that creamy sauce.
Ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory base to contrast with the creamy cheese.

Velveeta cheese: Melts like a dream to create that signature velvety texture.
Heavy cream: Brings richness and smoothness to the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Enhances the overall depth with a punch of aromatic flavor.

Red bell pepper (diced): Adds color, sweetness, and crunch.
Cajun seasoning: Delivers the spicy, smoky heat that defines this dish.
Butter: Helps bring the sauce together and adds a hint of richness.

Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing the entire flavor profile.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness.

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

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In your skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Build the Cajun Base

Add the butter, garlic, and diced red bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Gradually stir in the Velveeta until melted and smooth. Whisk in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun beef sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. Extra Cajun spice or shredded cheese on top is always welcome.

Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider adding roasted vegetables or a glass of chilled white wine.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this pasta?

It has a noticeable kick from the Cajun seasoning, but it’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto sauce, rotini, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta will work just as well.

What if I don’t have Velveeta?

You can substitute with shredded cheddar and a splash of milk or cream, though the texture may not be as smooth.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Cool it completely and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat with a bit of cream for best texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Sure! Just skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty meatless version.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure to use a large enough skillet and pot to accommodate the extra volume.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If this Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta made your taste buds happy, you might love these other crowd-pleasers too:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta

Looking for even more crave-worthy dinner inspiration? Follow along on Pinterest where I post daily recipes: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or keep it mellow? Did you sneak in any extra veggies or double the cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter, not harder.

Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce is a rich, cheesy, and spicy pasta dish that blends tender penne with Cajun-seasoned ground beef and a silky Velveeta Alfredo sauce. It’s ready in under 45 minutes and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.