One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender meatballs with a rich, spicy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a comforting dish that comes together easily in just one pan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and mix them in with the pasta. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Serve the creamy Cajun meatball pasta hot and enjoy the rich, flavorful meal!

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option, or make your own seasoned meatballs for extra flavor.
• Add bell peppers or spinach when sautéing the onions for added color and nutrition.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference; use less if you prefer milder flavors.
• Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best to freeze the meatballs separately as the creamy sauce may change texture when frozen and reheated. You can store meatballs in the freezer for up to 3 months and cook the pasta fresh when ready to eat.

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 378 reviews

A flavorful and creamy one-pot Cajun meatball pasta combining tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy sauce made with Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This easy skillet meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs and Pasta

• 1 lb meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion & Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onions become soft and fragrant.
3. Cook the Pasta: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook uncovered according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add the Cream & Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
5. Combine: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently stir to combine them evenly with the pasta and sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun meatball pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this comforting, spicy dish.

Notes

• Use any shape of pasta you prefer; penne or rotini work best to hold the sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less thick.
• If making homemade meatballs, ensure they are seasoned well and cooked thoroughly before combining.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference—add more for extra heat or reduce for milder flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Cajun meatball pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe, quick dinner, meatballs with pasta