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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta: A Bold Comfort Classic

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is a bold and comforting dish ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 package Meatballs Use store-bought for convenience, or make homemade.
For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne or rotini) Swap with gluten-free pasta if necessary.
For the Sauce and Aromatics
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Feel free to use canola oil as a substitute.
  • 1 small Onion, chopped Shallots can work for a milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Be careful not to overcook it!
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For a lighter alternative, use half-and-half or milk.
  • 1.5 cups Chicken Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian spin.
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Adjust to your heat preference.
For the Finishing Touches
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great alternative.
  • Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and let them brown for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are evenly golden. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta, stirring to ensure it’s submerged. Cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Allow to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently folding them into the pasta and creamy sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
  6. Once combined and heated through, serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

For best results, monitor the pasta texture and adjust spice levels as needed.

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