Description
This Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta is a rich and satisfying weeknight dinner made with twisted pasta, creamy Velveeta Alfredo sauce, bold Cajun-spiced ground beef, and aromatic garlic. The perfect comfort food recipe with Southern heat and cheesy indulgence.
Ingredients
1 pound twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 1/2 cups Alfredo sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.
3. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Mix everything together.
4. Lower the heat. Pour in Alfredo sauce and stir. Add Velveeta cubes and let them melt into the sauce, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until fully coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Let the pasta simmer for 2 more minutes so the flavors marry together.
7. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
This dish is best with twisted pasta shapes that hold sauce well.
If you like it spicier, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Velveeta melts best when added gradually—avoid adding all the cubes at once.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg