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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe

5.1 from 5 reviews

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender meatballs, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in a single skillet. Easy to prepare, it features a rich, spicy cream sauce loaded with garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb meatballs (store-bought or homemade)

Pasta & Cooking

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 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. 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 to prevent overcooking.
  2. Sauté Onion & Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  4. Add the Cream & Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning into the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
  5. Combine: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and mix into the pasta and sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and incorporates evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun meatball pasta hot, garnished optionally with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, and enjoy a rich and flavorful one-pot meal.

Notes

  • For homemade meatballs, ground beef, pork, or a mix can be used with seasoning as preferred.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level; mild or hot blends both work well.
  • If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure meatballs are gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, Cajun meatballs, creamy pasta, easy dinner, meatball recipe, Cajun seasoning, pasta skillet