This Creamy Mozzarella Rotini with Spicy Cajun Beef and Velveeta Sauce is not your average pasta dinner. It combines bold Southern spice with rich, melty comfort. Perfectly cooked rotini spirals hold onto every drop of the creamy Velveeta sauce, while a generous layer of melted mozzarella adds irresistible stringy pulls with every bite.
But the real hero? That spicy Cajun beef. It’s savory, slightly smoky, and packs just enough heat to make things interesting. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a fun twist for your next potluck, this pasta dish delivers all the flavor without fuss.
What Kind of Rotini Should I Use?
Go with classic rotini or fusilli – their tight spirals catch and hold the cheesy, saucy goodness. If you’re gluten-free, there are great rice or chickpea-based rotini alternatives that hold up well with thick sauces like Velveeta.
Ingredients for the Creamy Mozzarella Rotini with Spicy Cajun Beef and Velveeta Sauce
- Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape is perfect for grabbing onto thick, creamy sauces.
- Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that takes on Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- Cajun Seasoning: Brings heat and depth—look for blends with paprika, garlic, cayenne, and thyme.
- Velveeta Cheese: Adds a creamy, indulgent texture that coats the pasta.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts into gooey ribbons across the top for a perfect cheesy finish.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Helps loosen the Velveeta for a smooth sauce.
- Fresh Parsley or Chives (optional): For a fresh, herby pop to balance the richness.
- Diced Red Chili (optional): If you want to double-down on the heat.


How To Make the Creamy Mozzarella Rotini with Spicy Cajun Beef and Velveeta Sauce
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook the rotini in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water.
Step 2: Sizzle the Cajun Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once no longer pink, drain excess fat and stir in Cajun seasoning. Let it cook another 2–3 minutes to bloom the spices.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat and add cubes of Velveeta to the beef. Pour in a bit of milk or cream and stir until everything melts into a luscious sauce. Add more milk if needed to loosen it up.
Step 4: Combine It All
Add the cooked rotini directly into the cheesy beef mixture. Toss to coat thoroughly. A splash of pasta water can help bind the sauce to the pasta.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella & Garnish
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top while it’s still hot. Let it melt slightly or cover the skillet briefly to encourage melty goodness. Finish with chopped parsley and diced chili if using.
Serving and Storing This Creamy Mozzarella Rotini
Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet for maximum melty cheese impact. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlicky toast.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning brings mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust it to your comfort level. Skip the red chili if you want it mild.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Cook the pasta and beef mixture in advance, then reheat and add mozzarella just before serving.
What can I substitute for Velveeta?
You can use American cheese slices or a homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar and cream, though texture may vary.
Is this freezer-friendly?
This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it without the mozzarella topping. Reheat and add cheese when ready to serve.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great with the Cajun and cheese combo.
Do I need to use both Velveeta and mozzarella?
Velveeta creates the creamy base, while mozzarella gives that signature cheesy stretch. For full effect, use both!
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Southern Twist?
If you’re all about comforting, creamy dinners with bold flavors, these are next on your list:
- One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is quick and full of garlicky goodness.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli adds veggie richness to cheesy pasta.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for meat-lovers who love bold, creamy sauce.
- Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef gives another take on beefy pasta comfort.
- Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is perfect for a cozy spoonful version of pasta night.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 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 tweak the spice level? Use a different cheese? Try it with ground turkey instead?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with flavor and ease.
👉 Looking for more delicious creations? Follow my Pinterest board, Life with Jam for new recipes every day!


Creamy Mozzarella Rotini with Spicy Cajun Beef and Velveeta Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Mozzarella Rotini with Spicy Cajun Beef and Velveeta Sauce is a rich, bold, and comforting pasta dinner. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it combines a creamy Velveeta base, spicy Cajun-seasoned beef, and gooey melted mozzarella with spiraled rotini pasta for the ultimate comfort bowl.
Ingredients
1 pound rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1⁄2 cup heavy cream or milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
1 tablespoon diced red chili (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve a splash of pasta water.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Once cooked, drain the fat and stir in Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes more.
3. Reduce heat to low and add the Velveeta cubes with cream or milk. Stir until melted and smooth. Add more milk if needed.
4. Add cooked rotini into the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella over the pasta. Let it melt, then garnish with parsley or chives and diced chili if using. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melting results.
For a creamier sauce, substitute milk with heavy cream.
Make it mild by using less Cajun seasoning and skipping the chili.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-inspired comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, cheesy beef pasta, rotini recipe
