Description
This indulgent and cheesy pasta dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
- Shaved Parmesan or mozzarella (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and let it cook until al dente, which usually takes about 9 to 11 minutes. Remember to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is a chef’s secret weapon to make your sauce even creamier and more cohesive. After draining, set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil and the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat apart while cooking. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, set the beef aside in a bowl; this flavorful base will infuse your dish with delicious Cajun notes.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not burnt. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, bringing this mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add in the cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a luxurious, smooth sauce. If it becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully incorporated into your creamy concoction. Season the sauce according to your taste with additional salt and pepper, making sure it has a well-rounded flavor. This creamy blend pairs beautifully with the Cajun-seasoned beef, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- In your skillet (where you cooked the beef), combine the cooked penne and seasoned beef. Drizzle the prepared cheese sauce over the pasta and beef, and toss everything together until the pasta is generously coated. Let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once plated, feel free to get creative with your garnishing. Sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color, red pepper flakes for added spice, or some shaved Parmesan or mozzarella for extra cheesiness. Serve hot and watch as everyone digs in!
Notes
For a creamier sauce, use a mix of half-and-half and heavy cream instead of just heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sodium: 925 mg
- Protein: 36 g