Description
Penne with Creamy Velveeta Four-Cheese and Cajun Beef Bites is a comforting pasta dinner with bold Cajun flavor. This cheesy pasta recipe features tender beef bites, a rich Velveeta cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked penne. Ideal for easy weeknight meals, cozy gatherings, or special comfort food cravings. Try this creamy Cajun pasta with beef today!
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta
2 cups Velveeta four-cheese blend, cubed
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound sirloin beef tips, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cut beef into bite-size pieces and toss with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add beef bites and sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat, and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in Velveeta cubes, whisking until the sauce is smooth and fully melted.
7. Add cooked penne to the cheese sauce. Mix to coat, adding pasta water as needed to loosen.
8. Fold in seared Cajun beef bites. Stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
Notes
This dish is best served hot immediately after cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or cream.
Marinating the beef longer will intensify the Cajun flavor even more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg