Description
Indulgent Penne with Creamy Velveeta Four-Cheese and Cajun Beef Bites is a rich, satisfying pasta dish combining tender beef sirloin seasoned with Cajun spices and a velvety cheese sauce made from Velveeta, a four-cheese blend, and heavy cream. This comforting recipe boasts a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors, making it an ideal meal for a hearty dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Penne Pasta (Substitute rigatoni or ziti if needed)
Cheese Sauce
- 16 oz Velveeta Cheese (Original)
- 8 oz Four-Cheese Blend (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, Provolone)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 lb Beef Sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season and Sear Beef: In a mixing bowl, season the beef sirloin cubes with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and once shimmering, sear the seasoned beef for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Let it melt completely. Pour in the heavy cream along with garlic powder and onion powder. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and beginning to simmer.
- Melt Velveeta Cheese: Gradually add Velveeta cubes to the skillet, whisking continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Four-Cheese Blend: Stir in the four-cheese blend to the melted Velveeta, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Cheese Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently with tongs to coat every piece evenly in the creamy cheese sauce. Allow it to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Beef and Finish: Return the cooked Cajun beef bites to the skillet and mix them into the pasta and cheese sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Velveeta cheese has no direct substitute, but other melty cheeses can be used if needed.
- For variation, substitute beef sirloin with chicken or shrimp.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amounts based on your spice tolerance.
- Fresh garlic and onion can be used instead of powders for more robust flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese sauce at its creamy best.
