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Creamy Cajun Pasta

Creamy Cajun Pasta

Discover the ultimate Creamy Cajun Pasta a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines spicy beef with a velvety Alfredo sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to taste crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles and browning it.
  3. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Remove beef from skillet and set it aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the beef drippings. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted.
  6. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thick. Mix in crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Combine cooked pasta and sautéed beef with the sauce, tossing gently until coated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat with a splash of liquid to restore creaminess.
This pasta can be easily customized by adjusting spice levels or swapping in different proteins or cheeses. Enjoy experimenting!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!