Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef is a rich and hearty dish combining the creamy texture of Velveeta and Alfredo sauce with the bold flavors of Cajun-seasoned beef. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe features tender rotini pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, topped with melted mozzarella or Parmesan, and garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (substitute penne if preferred)

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 pound Ground Beef (option to use turkey or plant-based meat for lighter versions)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (adjust heat to taste)

Cheese and Sauce

  • 8 ounces Velveeta Cheese, cubed (can substitute cream cheese for tanginess)
  • 1 cup Alfredo Sauce (can use a homemade light cream sauce for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese (optional for topping)

Additional Ingredients

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced (or equal amount garlic powder if fresh not available)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (optional garnish; can substitute chives)
  • Olive oil or butter for drizzling and cooking

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, then drizzle lightly with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fragrant and the garlic turns golden.
  4. Add Cheese and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the Alfredo sauce and cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the Velveeta fully melts and blends smoothly with the Alfredo sauce, forming a creamy sauce.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet. Toss carefully using tongs or a spatula to coat every piece of pasta evenly in the cheesy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta in the skillet. Cover with a lid or place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until cheese melts and bubbles to a golden brown.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta hot in bowls, garnished generously with fresh parsley or chives for brightness and color.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat and use a light cream sauce in place of Alfredo.
  • Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic isn’t available; use equivalent quantity.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference.
  • Use chopped chives as a milder garnish substitute for parsley.
  • Ensure pasta is drained well and tossed with butter or oil to prevent clumping before combining with sauce.
  • If broiler is not available, covering the skillet with a lid until cheese melts is a good alternative.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://flavorfestkitchen.com/cheesy-garlic-twisted-pasta-with-cajun-ground-beef-recipe/