Description
This Penne with Creamy Velveeta Four Cheese and Cajun Beef Bites is a bold and comforting weeknight pasta. Tender penne is tossed in a silky Velveeta four cheese sauce and topped with juicy Cajun seared beef for a hearty dinner the whole family will love. Keywords include creamy Velveeta pasta, Cajun beef pasta, four cheese penne, easy weeknight dinner, and Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
1 pound beef sirloin cut into 1 inch bites
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces Velveeta cubed
1 cup Italian four cheese blend shredded
1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne until al dente then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water
2. Pat the beef dry toss with Cajun seasoning and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high then sear beef in a single layer until browned on all sides 3 to 4 minutes and transfer to a plate
3. Reduce heat to medium add butter to the same skillet and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring just to a gentle simmer then add Velveeta cubes and whisk until melted and smooth
5. Add the shredded four cheese blend and whisk until fully melted adjusting with a splash of reserved pasta water for a pourable sauce
6. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper then add the cooked penne and toss until every piece is coated
7. Return the Cajun beef bites to the pan and fold gently to combine then warm through for 1 minute
8. Remove from heat garnish with parsley and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning then serve hot
Notes
Use a hot skillet so the beef sears quickly and stays tender
Cut the Velveeta into small cubes so it melts evenly and does not scorch
Loosen leftover pasta with a splash of milk or cream over low heat to revive the sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving about 2 cups
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg