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Cajun Beef Rotini

Cajun Beef Rotini

Indulge in a creamy, cheesy, and spicy hug with this Cajun Beef Rotini. Perfect for cozy weeknights and sure to be a family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 880
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lbs ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste red pepper flakes optional for extra heat

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, salt it, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and save about a cup of the pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break into crumbles. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer to a bowl.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently. Add Velveeta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir constantly on medium-low heat until smooth.
  4. Return the cooked Cajun beef and rotini to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together, adjusting the sauce's thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Calories: 880kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 600mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is easy to customize! You can swap the ground beef with turkey, chicken, or sausage. Use any short pasta you have on hand. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, or even whole wheat pasta. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to keep it from drying out. Be careful not to rush the cheese sauce; melting the cheese over low heat will yield a smooth, creamy consistency. Enjoy this comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings!
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