Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta With Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta

Okay, let me tell you about the dish that saved my weeknight dinners—cheesy garlic twisted pasta with Cajun ground beef and Alfredo Velveeta. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget you’re exhausted after a long day, because one bite of that creamy, spicy, garlicky goodness and you’re basically in food heaven. I stumbled on this combo when I was craving something hearty but quick, and boy, did it deliver. The twisted pasta holds onto every drop of that velvety Alfredo, while the Cajun-spiced beef gives it just the right kick. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta With Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta

Let me count the ways this dish will become your new go-to:

• Quick & easy – From pan to table in 30 minutes flat, even on your busiest nights
• Flavor explosion – That perfect balance of garlicky, cheesy, and Cajun spice will have you scraping the bowl
• Hearty comfort food – Twisted pasta cradles every bit of that creamy Alfredo Velveeta sauce and spicy beef
• Make it your own – Dial the Cajun heat up or down depending on who’s eating
• Creamy dreamy texture – That Velveeta Alfredo melts into the most luxurious sauce you’ve ever twirled onto your fork

Seriously, this cheesy garlic twisted pasta checks every box for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta With Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavor-packed dish (measurements matter, folks – trust me on this):

• 12 oz twisted pasta – I use fusilli because those spirals hold sauce like nobody’s business, but rotini works great too
• 1 lb ground beef – Go for 80/20 lean/fat ratio for the best flavor without being greasy
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning – This is where the magic starts! Adjust up or down depending on your heat tolerance
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best here, no jarred stuff if you can help it
• 1 cup Alfredo Velveeta sauce – The secret weapon for ultra-creamy texture
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar gives a nice sharpness, but mozzarella melts beautifully
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing that garlic to golden perfection
• Salt and pepper – To taste, because every good cook knows to season as they go

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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No Velveeta Alfredo handy? No panic! Mix 3/4 cup regular Alfredo sauce with 1/4 cup cream cheese – it’ll give you that same creamy melt we love. For gluten-free folks, your favorite GF twisted pasta works just fine here (I’ve used brown rice fusilli with great results).

If you’re not into beef, ground turkey makes a great leaner option – just add an extra 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning since it’s milder. And for my veggie friends? Swap in plant-based crumbles and maybe throw in some mushrooms for extra umami. The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is!

If you love creamy pasta twists loaded with bold flavors, you’ll also want to try this Cheesy Velveeta Chicken Twisted Pasta with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce—it’s the ultimate comfort dish with a gooey, cheesy finish.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta with Cajun Ground Beef and Alfredo Velveeta

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this cheesy garlic twisted pasta masterpiece:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your twisted pasta in salted water until it’s al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain it, but don’t forget to save 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for your sauce later!
2. Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and golden. Careful—garlic burns fast!
3. Brown the beef: Toss in the ground beef and Cajun seasoning. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes). This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it.
4. Add the sauce: Stir in the Alfredo Velveeta sauce and let it melt into the beef mixture. If it looks too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it all together until every twist is coated in that creamy, spicy goodness.
6. Finish with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet for a minute, and let it melt into gooey perfection. Done!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta

• Reserve pasta water: That starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky finish.
• Brown the beef well: Don’t just cook it—let it get a little crispy for extra depth of flavor.
• Season as you go: Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning and salt at each step. It’s easier to fix as you cook!
• Low heat for sauce: Keep the heat medium-low when adding the Alfredo Velveeta to prevent it from separating.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta

This cheesy garlic twisted pasta shines brightest with simple sides that balance its richness. My go-to? Warm, crusty garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of that creamy Alfredo Velveeta sauce. A crisp Caesar or tangy arugula salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra indulgent (and honestly, why not?), I’ll serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts—their caramelized edges are magic against the spicy Cajun beef.

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta

Now, let’s talk leftovers—because this cheesy garlic twisted pasta tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, my secret is adding a splash of milk before microwaving—it brings back that creamy Velveeta texture perfectly. For stovetop revival, warm it gently over low heat with an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese. Pro tip: Stir in a little extra Cajun seasoning when reheating to wake up all those flavors!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note—these nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Always check your product labels if you’re tracking closely!

Looking for more weeknight pasta ideas? Browse our Pinterest boards where you’ll discover endless cheesy, garlicky recipes that are perfect for family dinners.

FAQs About Cheesy Garlic Twisted Pasta