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Velvety Cajun Beef Penne in Creamy Velveeta Alfredo

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A delightful combination of comforting pasta, seasoned beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings the flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1.75 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer beef to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter, add chicken broth, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream until combined.
  4. Lower heat and add Velveeta, stirring until melted. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until thick and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Return beef and pasta to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  6. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving. Enjoy hot.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk. Adjust the spiciness by modifying Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes based on preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sourdoughvoyage.com/cajun-beef-penne-velveeta-alfredo/