Description
Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender rotini pasta with a creamy Velveeta and Alfredo sauce, spiced up with savory Cajun-seasoned ground beef. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal for 4 servings in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (or any similar pasta shape)
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef (ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives)
Cheese and Sauce
- 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese, cubed (can substitute with Cheddar for a sharper taste)
- 1 cup Alfredo Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese (optional; omit for lighter or replace with dairy-free cheese)
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 teaspoons Garlic (minced fresh or garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Other
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Butter or Olive Oil (to toss the pasta)
- Oil (for sautéing beef)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt generously, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta well and toss it with a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Sauté the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic or garlic powder, then continue to sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of Alfredo sauce along with the 8 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy Cajun beef sauce. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the skillet to let the cheese melt, or alternatively, place the skillet under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Use fresh garlic for more intense flavor or garlic powder for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Velveeta cheese melts smoothly, but cheddar can be used for a sharper taste.
- Omitting the shredded cheese topping reduces calories and dairy content.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
