One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
