One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is an easy and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender meatballs, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a creamy sauce, it’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly in 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
- 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.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- 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.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 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.
- Step 6: Serve the creamy Cajun meatball pasta hot and enjoy the rich, flavorful meal!
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños with the onion and garlic.
- Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option.
- Try swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the sauce before combining everything.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs work well. Just make sure to thaw them slightly or cook them a bit longer in the skillet to ensure they are heated through and browned evenly.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use other short pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni depending on what you have on hand.
PrintOne-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe
This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it uses a single skillet to deliver a fuss-free, hearty meal bursting with Cajun-inspired flavors.
- 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
Meatballs
- 1 lb meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
Pasta & Sauce
- 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
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove them 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 softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the Cream & Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and mix them with the creamy pasta. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun meatball pasta hot, garnished as desired. Enjoy your rich and comforting meal!
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought meatballs depending on your preference and time.
- If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning amount.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to avoid sticking during cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for added flavor and presentation.
Keywords: One-Pot, Cajun, Meatball Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner, Skillet Meal
