Name: One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a fuss-free dinner that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to become a new favorite? This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta brings together tender meatballs, zesty Cajun spices, and a velvety sauce in a single skillet. It’s a dish that tastes like you’ve been simmering away for hours, yet comes together in no time, saving you on dishes and stress. Imagine twirling your fork through creamy pasta dotted with juicy Cajun-spiced meatballs—this is weeknight comfort food at its finest!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is how each simple ingredient works some real magic. Every item on this list plays a role: from building savory depth to creating a dreamy, creamy sauce, or bringing pops of heat and color to the dish.

Meatballs (1 lb): Store-bought or homemade, they’re the flavor-packed stars—choose your favorite style for ultimate customization.
Pasta (8 oz, penne or rotini): Short shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly; plus, they cook up beautifully in one pot.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps brown those meatballs to get a crave-worthy, caramelized crust.
Small onion (chopped): Adds gentle sweetness and a bit of texture that blends into the sauce effortlessly.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Essential for building aromatic depth and a subtle punch.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Turns simple liquid into a lush, restaurant-worthy sauce.
Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): Infuses the pasta and sauce with savory flavor and keeps everything silky.
Cajun seasoning (2 tbsp): Brings the bold, smoky-spicy signature you crave in every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds nutty richness and helps thicken up the sauce for perfect spoon-coating texture.
Salt and pepper to taste: These final touches ensure every note of flavor pops just right.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Meatballs

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the meatballs, making sure not to crowd them. Let them get beautifully browned on all sides—this is where you lock in that crave-worthy flavor. When they’re golden and cooked through, transfer them to a plate and set aside while you start the next round of layering.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Without cleaning the skillet (those little brown bits are pure flavor), toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about three minutes, just until the onions look translucent and the kitchen smells amazing. This quick step builds a flavor foundation for your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Scatter in your pasta and stir everything so it’s submerged in liquid. Let the pasta cook according to the package directions (usually about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally. As it cooks, it’ll soak up all those savory flavors right in the pan.

Step 4: Add the Cream & Cajun Seasoning

Once the pasta is almost tender, stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. This is where the magic happens—watch as the sauce turns beautifully creamy and takes on an irresistible color and spice. Let it bubble away for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly and carry those smoky Cajun notes right into the noodles.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Nestle the browned meatballs back into the skillet, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce clings greedily to every piece. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed—the finishing touch before it’s ready for the table!

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle generous helpings of this luscious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta into bowls and serve it up piping hot. Your comfort meal—rich, creamy, and packed with Cajun zip—is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way to make your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta look and taste extra special. Try a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hit of brightness, or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese for richness. For even more color and zing, thinly sliced scallions or a scatter of red pepper flakes will do the trick!

Side Dishes

This dish is very satisfying on its own, but it truly shines with a few simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness, or pair with warm, crusty bread—perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables also complement the Cajun spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and striking presentation, scoop the creamy pasta and meatballs into mini cast iron skillets or deep pasta bowls. If you’re feeling playful, try serving “family-style” in the large skillet right at the table; let everyone dive in. Or, thread a few meatballs onto skewers and prop them on top as a striking, dippable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Let everyone cool fully, then pack it into airtight containers. The flavors only deepen overnight, making the next-day bites extra dreamy.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. The pasta will be a touch softer upon thawing, but the flavors will still be delicious. Just be sure to label and date the packages so you can enjoy a taste of Cajun comfort any time you crave it.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave single servings—cover to keep them moist and stir halfway through for even heating. Just reheat until piping hot and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta with different meatballs?

Absolutely! Feel free to use beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meatballs according to your preferences. Each type brings its own unique texture and taste, keeping this dish endlessly adaptable.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

If Cajun seasoning isn’t handy, you can quickly mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and a pinch of thyme or oregano. Adjust the heat according to your liking!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely. While penne or rotini work best for holding the creamy sauce, any short pasta shape like fusilli, rigatoni, or shells will work. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How spicy is One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning blend. Most store-bought versions have a moderate kick, but you can always dial it up or down—or add extra red pepper flakes for bold spice lovers.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and swap in turkey or chicken meatballs. The results will be a bit less rich but still full of flavor and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen! It’s cozy, quick, and full of bold personality—perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests. I hope it finds a permanent spot on your menu too!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta recipe. Tender meatballs are simmered in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce with pasta for a satisfying meal that comes together in one pot.

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!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun