Pasta night just got a spicy, cheesy makeover! This creamy Velveeta penne pasta dish is comfort food at its boldest—with tender penne noodles smothered in a Cajun-spiced beef Alfredo sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes after the first forkful and go straight to flavor heaven.

Between the ultra-creamy Velveeta, the smoky Cajun spices, and the savory beef crumbles, this recipe turns weeknight pasta into something truly unforgettable. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for those evenings when you’re craving warmth in a bowl.

What Kind of Penne Should I Use?

While regular penne pasta works beautifully here, you can opt for penne rigate if you want even more sauce to cling to those ridges. Whole wheat or gluten-free penne are also good choices if you have dietary needs. The goal is to use pasta that holds the cheesy Alfredo sauce well, so anything tubular and sturdy will do.

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

Velveeta Cheese: The star of the show! It melts beautifully into a silky, creamy base that defines this dish.

Ground Beef: Adds richness and heartiness. It’s seasoned with Cajun spices to infuse the entire dish with flavor.

Penne Pasta: Holds up well to thick, creamy sauces and brings that satisfying chew.

Heavy Cream: Blends with the Velveeta to create a luscious Alfredo-style sauce.

Cajun Seasoning: Gives the dish its bold, spicy edge. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.

Garlic & Onion Powder: Layers in some savory depth to balance the cheese and spice.

Diced Tomatoes (optional): Adds acidity and a pop of color to break up the richness.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A fresh sprinkle on top brightens the whole bowl and adds a little color contrast.

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

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Cajun Seasoning

Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder over the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with all the spices. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors really meld.

Step 4: Make the Velveeta Alfredo Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Cube the Velveeta cheese and add it to the skillet. Stir frequently until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Tomatoes

Fold in the cooked penne pasta and stir until all noodles are coated in the creamy Cajun beef sauce. If using, add the diced tomatoes now and stir to combine.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

How to Serve and Store Delicious Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

This pasta is best served hot right off the stove, when the Velveeta Alfredo sauce is at its creamiest and the Cajun beef is warm and tender. Serve it in wide, shallow bowls for easy scooping, and garnish each serving with a touch of fresh parsley and maybe a hint more Cajun seasoning if you like heat.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. For an extra indulgence, a slice of garlic bread is never a bad idea.

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a medium heat level thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can tone it down or kick it up based on your preference.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes! While Velveeta is ideal for a creamy melt, you can use cream cheese, cheddar, or even a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for variation.

Is this freezer-friendly?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheese sauce may change when reheated.

What protein can I use instead of beef?

Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken work great here.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered and reheat before serving. Add a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

Do I need to use diced tomatoes?

Nope! They’re optional. But they do add brightness and acidity that balance the creamy richness beautifully.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If you enjoyed this creamy Velveeta penne pasta, you’ll definitely want to try out these other cozy and crave-worthy pasta dishes:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a one-pan wonder full of comforting flavor.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving that meaty-cheesy combo.
Red Pepper Rigatoni: A Creamy Bold Pasta Delight to explore more vibrant, saucy flavors.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a balanced weeknight dinner.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you need something satisfying and simple.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or pasta board so you can find it again when the craving hits. Follow me here for more daily recipes → Life with Jam on Pinterest

Did you try extra cheese? Swap the meat? Add shrimp instead of beef? Share your twist in the comments below—I love seeing how you make each dish your own!

Got questions? Ask away! I’m here to help make dinnertime easy, flavorful, and fun.

Delicious Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta Recipe with Cajun Beef Alfredo Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Velveeta penne pasta with Cajun beef Alfredo sauce is bold, hearty, and irresistibly rich. A comforting one-pan meal with Southern flair that’s perfect for weeknights or easy entertaining.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the beef. Stir to coat and let cook for 2 more minutes.

4. Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted into a smooth sauce.

5. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

6. Fold in the cooked penne pasta and diced tomatoes (if using). Stir until evenly coated.

7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning if desired.

Notes

Add cream gradually while melting Velveeta to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.

Don’t skip the Cajun seasoning—it’s what brings the bold flavor to life!

For extra richness, top with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 720
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun Alfredo, Velveeta pasta