Introduction

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is a delightful blend of spicy Cajun flavors and rich, creamy sauce. It’s a comforting and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners that requires minimal cleanup. Enjoy tender meatballs nestled in perfectly cooked pasta with a flavorful sauce.

A close-up image showing a black pan filled with creamy pasta and meatballs. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom there are flat, wide noodles coated in thick, light orange creamy sauce with small bits of tomato mixed in; on top of the pasta, there are about a dozen brown, crispy meatballs that look juicy and well-cooked; scattered around the pasta and meatballs are small green herb pieces adding a fresh color contrast. The creamy sauce glazes the noodles and meatballs, giving a rich, smooth texture throughout. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Use spicy or mild Cajun seasoning depending on your heat preference.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less creamy.
Try adding bell peppers or spinach with the onions for extra veggies.
For a vegetarian option, substitute meatballs with plant-based meatballs and use vegetable broth.

Storage

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

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black pan filled with creamy pasta and meatballs. The dish has three main layers: at the base is a thick layer of ribbon-shaped pasta, light orange in color from a rich sauce with smooth texture. Scattered evenly on top are round, browned meatballs with a slightly crispy outside and moist inside. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top adding color contrast, and tiny pieces of red tomato are seen mixed in the pasta sauce. The pan is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, frozen meatballs work well. Just cook them thoroughly in the skillet until browned and heated through before proceeding with the recipe.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli can be used.

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 50 reviews

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta combines tender meatballs with a creamy, flavorful Cajun sauce, all cooked in one skillet for a quick and satisfying meal. The dish features penne or rotini pasta simmered in a rich blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, seasoned with bold Cajun spices and topped with Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Author: Tara
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 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 Seasonings

1 tbsp olive oil
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. 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.
Cook the Pasta: 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.
Add the Cream & Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine: 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.
Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun meatball pasta hot and enjoy the rich, flavorful meal!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
You can prepare homemade meatballs to reduce preservatives and customize flavors.
Ensure to stir frequently while cooking pasta in broth to prevent sticking.

Keywords: Cajun pasta, meatball pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot meal, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning, penne pasta, skillet pasta