Give it up my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this Cajun Ground Beef Penne in Spicy Parmesan Alfredo. I’m telling you, this dish is a flavor explosion that will have you doing a happy dance right in your kitchen.
Comforting Cajun Ground Beef Penne you can make today
Come to Mama! We’re talking tender penne pasta and savory ground beef swimming in the most incredible spicy, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re at a cozy Southern bistro without ever leaving your house. If you love bold pasta dishes, you should also try our other creamy favorites!
Recipe Overview
Let me give you the quick rundown on what we’re making today. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
- Cuisine: American / Cajun
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I first whipped this up when I was craving something hearty but with a little kick. There is something magical about the combination of Cajun spices and rich, creamy cheese sauce that just warms the soul. It’s comforting, it’s spicy, and it’s absolutely addictive.
Cajun Ground Beef Penne in Spicy Parmesan Alfredo Recipe
Make Cajun Ground Beef Penne in Spicy Parmesan Alfredo with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.
Author: Olyvia Thompson
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min
Servings: 4
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Cajun Ground Beef Penne in Spicy Parmesan Alfredo
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Cajun Ground Beef Penne in Spicy Parmesan Alfredo!
Nutrition Information
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cubed processed cheese (like Velveeta)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Melt remaining butter and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add cream cheese, processed cheese, Parmesan, and cheddar. Stir until completely melted and creamy.
- Return beef and penne to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the spicy Alfredo sauce.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through. Season to taste and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Cajun Ground Beef Penne in Spicy Parmesan Alfredo!
Nutrition Information
Calories: ~720 kcal
Did You Make This?
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I’ve been obsessed ever since! My version adds that beautiful spicy twist that makes it absolutely unforgettable. Every time I make it, the whole family asks for seconds.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
I get so excited gathering these ingredients! They’re all easy to find but come together in the most magical way.
The key players here are the Cajun seasoning and that glorious trio of cheeses—cream cheese, processed cheese, and cheddar. Don’t skimp on the garlic either – we’re going for maximum flavor impact!
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Okay, let’s gather our cast of characters! Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so smooth and enjoyable.
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cubed processed cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Ready to create some magic? Follow these steps and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner in no time flat.
- Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Melt remaining butter and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add cream cheese, processed cheese, Parmesan, and cheddar. Stir until completely melted and creamy.
- Return beef and penne to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the spicy Alfredo sauce.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through. Season to taste and garnish with parsley.
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! Here are some of my favorite twists.
Add sliced Andouille sausage for an extra Cajun kick. It complements the creamy sauce perfectly and adds great texture.
Swap the ground beef for chicken or shrimp. Both work wonderfully with this spicy Alfredo sauce.
Stir in some bell peppers or spinach at the end. The veggies add a nice crunch or color to the rich pasta.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Leftovers? No problem! This dish stores beautifully if you have any left (which I rarely do).
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is possible, but the creamy sauce may separate slightly. If you do freeze, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~720 kcal per serving
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
I get asked these questions all the time! Here are the answers to help you succeed.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Rotini, bowtie, or rigatoni would all hold onto this thick, cheesy sauce beautifully. Just cook according to the package directions.
What if I don’t have processed cheese?
No worries! You can substitute with more cheddar or a different melting cheese like Monterey Jack, though the sauce might be slightly less silky than with the processed cheese.
How spicy is this dish?
The Cajun seasoning gives it a nice kick, but it’s not overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the amount of seasoning. Love heat? Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce – I won’t judge!
There you have it, my friends! This Cajun Ground Beef Penne has become my go-to for impressing guests or treating myself to something special.
It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but fancy enough for date night. The combination of garlic, spice, and creamy cheese is simply unbeatable.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
