Cajun Beef Linguine in Creamy Velveeta Parmesan Garlic Sauce
A bold, creamy pasta packed with Cajun spice, tender beef, and a silky Velveeta-Parmesan garlic sauce
This dish is the perfect fusion of Southern comfort and Italian-style pasta.
The Cajun-seasoned beef adds heat and smokiness, while the Velveeta-Parmesan garlic cream sauce melts into a velvety, ultra-rich coating over every strand of linguine.
It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef strips)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta
- 12 oz linguine
- Salt for boiling water
For the Creamy Velveeta Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to heat level)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions — Full, Detailed, Step-by-Step
1 Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the linguine and cook until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2 Brown the Cajun Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef (or sliced beef).
- Season with:
- Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook until beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
3 Make the Creamy Velveeta Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Use the same skillet for maximum flavor.
- Add 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in:
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Stir and bring to a gentle simmer (NOT boiling).
- Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season with:
- Cajun seasoning
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until silky and creamy.
If sauce becomes too thick:
→ Add a splash of pasta water or broth.
If sauce seems thin:
→ Let it simmer another minute.
4 Combine Pasta, Beef & Sauce
- Add the cooked Cajun beef back into the skillet.
- Add the drained linguine.
- Toss everything together with tongs until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
5 Serve
Plate the pasta and top with:
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
- More Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes (for heat)
The final texture should be creamy, glossy, cheesy, and richly spiced.
Serving Ideas
Pairs amazingly with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
- Cajun corn on the cob
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Grilled asparagus
Chef Tips
- For extra richness, add a spoon of cream cheese.
- Use Andouille sausage instead of beef for a Cajun twist.
- Add bell peppers for color and flavor.
- Make it spicy: use spicy Cajun seasoning + jalapeños.
- Always grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes