Hey, ever wanted a creamy pasta that’s packed with bold flavor but super easy to make? I’m all about quick meals, and this One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is my go-to.
It’s got spicy Cajun seasoning, juicy meatballs, and creamy sauce all cooked in just one pot — no extra dishes! Seriously, it’s creamy, spicy, and so satisfying.
If you want a dinner that’s full of flavor and hassle-free, this pasta is just right. Stick with me — I’ll share how I make it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Meal: Meat, pasta, and sauce cooked together, saving time and dishes.
- Creamy & Spicy: The perfect balance of smooth cream and Cajun kick.
- Family Friendly: Simple ingredients everyone will enjoy.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with straightforward steps.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Meatballs can be prepared ahead for faster cooking.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: Serves 6 — great for families or meal prep.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — beginner cooks can handle it, but it also feels rewarding for experienced cooks.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or wide pot with lid
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
These simple, fresh ingredients come together to create rich, flavorful meatballs and a creamy Cajun pasta sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or mix) – For juicy, tender meatballs.
- 1 small onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – For a savory punch.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning – Brings the bold spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper – To season perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning the meatballs.
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta – Holds sauce well and cooks evenly.
- 3 cups chicken broth – For simmering and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds savory sharpness.
- Optional: Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish.
Variations for One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta
- Swap Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
- Extra Heat: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more spice.
- Cheese Twist: Swap Parmesan with shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
3. Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned all over but not fully cooked through. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the remaining chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Simmer Meatballs with Pasta
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the pasta and broth. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Finish with Cream and Cheese
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta
This hearty dish pairs well with simple sides and garnishes to balance its richness:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies to lighten the meal.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, colorful touch.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if you like a little tang.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
Storing One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freeze: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning meatballs — cook in batches if needed for even browning.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Use a good quality Cajun seasoning or make your own for the best flavor.
- If sauce is too thick, thin with a little extra broth or cream.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta
Course: pasta recipes6
servings35
minutes520
kcalIngredients
1 lb ground beef or pork
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups chicken broth
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-1.5 inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté remaining onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add pasta and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Return meatballs to skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook uncovered 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
A: Yes, just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time to ensure they heat through.
Q: What type of pasta works best?
A: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The Cajun seasoning adds moderate heat. Adjust by adding less seasoning or more if you prefer it spicier.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta combines simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Its creamy sauce and bold Cajun spices make it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The one-pot method keeps things easy and cleanup minimal, making it a great choice when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Give it a try and enjoy the blend of spice and cream that this dish brings to your table!