One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta
One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta combines tender meatballs, Cajun flavor, and creamy sauce for a satisfying family dinner made in one skillet.
Every family has a few go-to comfort meals, and this one quickly became one of ours. The first time I made it, I wanted something hearty but easy. One pot, a few ingredients, and dinner ready without a pile of dishes. This creamy Cajun meatball pasta hit all the right notes.
The Cajun seasoning gives the sauce a mild kick that balances perfectly with the creaminess. The meatballs soak up all that flavor, and the pasta ties it together. My wife said it tasted like a restaurant meal but felt like home. That’s the kind of feedback that keeps me cooking.
We’ve had this dish for family dinners and even on lazy Sunday nights. It’s rich, satisfying, and simple to make. If you like bold flavor without too much effort, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Questions You May Have About This Recipe
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, you can. Fresh or frozen meatballs both work. If frozen, let them thaw slightly before cooking.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine or penne hold the sauce nicely, but you can use any pasta you have on hand.
Is it spicy?
It has a mild kick. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
Can I use chicken or turkey meatballs instead of beef?
Absolutely. Any type of meatball will work with this sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Add a splash of cream when reheating to keep the sauce silky.
What You Need to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta
For the Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
12 ounces fettuccine pasta
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add Cajun seasoning and stir.
Pour in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add uncooked pasta to the skillet and stir occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 12 minutes.
Return meatballs to the skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and top with parsley before serving.
Tips
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to thin it.
For extra flavor, sprinkle cooked bacon bits over the top before serving.
You can use Italian meatballs if you prefer a milder taste.
A pinch of smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was creamy, spicy, and full of flavor. My family said it was the best pasta I’ve made in years.” Susan G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy and delicious. I used frozen meatballs and it still came out great.” Carol D.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe. The sauce was incredible.” Linda H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect one-pot meal for a weeknight. Next time I’ll add shrimp too.” Patty M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Creamy, comforting, and full of Cajun flavor. My husband went back for thirds.” Diane F.
Printable Recipe
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One Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta
A creamy, flavorful pasta made in one pot with tender Cajun-spiced meatballs and a rich, spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add Cajun seasoning and stir.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta to the skillet and stir occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 12 minutes.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and top with parsley before serving.
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