Description
A delicious and easy recipe for One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta that combines flavorful meatballs with creamy pasta in a single pot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove meatballs from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Return the meatballs to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg