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For this tasty dish, you will need: - 1 pound ground beef (or chicken) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 4 cups chicken broth - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese These ingredients work well together. They give the dish a rich, bold flavor. You can add your own twist to this recipe with these options: - Hot sauce for extra heat - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor - Spinach or kale for added greens - Different types of pasta, like fusilli or farfalle Feel free to mix and match these ingredients. They can change the taste and look of your dish. To make this meal, gather these tools: - Large bowl for mixing meatballs - Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - Knife and cutting board for chopping Having the right tools makes cooking easier. It helps you stay organized in the kitchen. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef or chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1 large egg. Add 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, and some salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything well until combined. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. This should make around 20 meatballs. Now, it's time to cook the veggies. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Brown them on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. After browning, take the meatballs out of the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Next, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything well and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, add 8 oz of penne pasta and return the browned meatballs to the pot. Stir to mix all the ingredients together. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the meatballs are hot. After that, lower the heat. Gradually stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and half of 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper if needed. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving. To make great meatballs, use a mix of meats. Ground beef gives rich flavor. You can also mix in ground chicken for a lighter taste. When blending the meat, breadcrumbs, and egg, mix gently. Overmixing makes them tough. Shape meatballs to about 1 inch. This size cooks evenly. Brown your meatballs well. This adds flavor. Cook them in batches, so they don’t crowd the pan. Browning takes about 5 to 7 minutes. For a creamy sauce, add heavy cream slowly. Stir well to combine. This ensures a smooth texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds depth. Mix half in while cooking. Save some for topping. You can also add a splash of lemon juice. This brightens the dish nicely. If you want more heat, try red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make a difference. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Serve your Cajun meatball pasta hot. It looks great topped with extra Parmesan and parsley. Pair this dish with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another tasty side. It soaks up the creamy sauce. Enjoy your meal with plenty of napkins! Pro Tips Choose Your Meat Wisely: Opt for lean ground beef or chicken to keep the dish flavorful yet healthier. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste; add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor. Let It Rest: Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce and enhance the flavors. Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the dish's overall flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch proteins in this recipe. Ground beef gives a rich flavor. If you want a lighter dish, use ground chicken or turkey. Both options work well. Just keep the same amount of meat. The cooking times remain the same too. Each protein brings its own taste, so feel free to experiment. To make this dish vegetarian, replace the meat with plant-based meat or lentils. For vegan, use a vegan meat substitute and swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. This adds flavor and texture. Make sure to adjust the seasonings to bring out the best taste. Spice levels can vary based on your taste. If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning. For a milder flavor, reduce the seasoning by half. You can also add sweet bell peppers or a splash of cream to cool it down. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your meal. To keep your One-Pot Cajun Meatball Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temp first. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within this time. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between bursts for even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the pasta creamy. Heat over low heat and stir often. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat using the stovetop method for the best texture. Enjoy your flavorful meal anytime you crave it! You can use other spice blends. Try Creole seasoning for a similar taste. If you want a milder kick, use Italian seasoning. You can also mix paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade blend. Adjust to your taste. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Cook the meatballs and pasta, then cool them. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. Adding vegetables is easy and fun! You can toss in spinach or kale for greens. Zucchini and carrots work well too. Just chop them small so they cook fast. Add them with the onions and bell peppers for best results. This makes your meal colorful and healthy! This blog covered all you need for one-pot Cajun meatball pasta. We explored key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can customize your dish with different proteins or spice levels. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers, so nothing goes to waste. Overall, this recipe is not just tasty but also flexible and fun to make. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress your family with a great meal!

One-Pot Cajun Meatball Pasta

A flavorful and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-spiced meatballs, cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or chicken)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Cajun seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined, then form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Add the penne pasta and return the browned meatballs to the pot. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the meatballs are heated through.
  • Reduce heat to low, and gradually stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasonings if needed.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve hot, garnished with remaining Parmesan cheese and extra parsley.

Notes

Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
Keyword Cajun, meatballs, one-pot, pasta