One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe
This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is an easy and flavorful dish combining tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Prepared in a single skillet, this comforting meal delivers a vibrant, spicy taste with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
Pasta and 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 they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, approximately 8-10 minutes, until al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the Cream & Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
- Combine: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun meatball pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or chopped herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh homemade meatballs or store-bought for convenience.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste based on spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Ensure stirring occasionally while pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
Keywords: one pot pasta, cajun meatballs, creamy pasta, easy dinner, skillet dinner, spicy pasta, comfort food
