Description
Craving cheesy comfort in under 30 minutes? This Ultimate Creamy Velveeta Penne Pasta is your go-to! Packed with rich, velvety cheese sauce, savory ground beef, and tender penne, this one-skillet wonder is the perfect answer to “what’s for dinner?” Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an easy pasta recipe, or comforting dinner ideas, this dish delivers every time. It’s ideal for busy families, beginner cooks, or anyone who loves cheesy food ideas that taste like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
450g penne pasta
450g ground beef
200g Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup heavy cream
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Lower the heat and add cubed Velveeta and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the drained penne to the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
6. Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Cut Velveeta into small cubes for faster melting and smoother sauce.
Always season in layers to build maximum flavor.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, easy dinner, cheesy recipe, Velveeta pasta, quick meals