Get ready to ignite your taste buds with the most mouth-watering, soul-warming dish that'll make your dinner guests beg for seconds! 🔥 Our Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the bold, spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the luxurious comfort of a creamy pasta dish. In just 45 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality feast that promises to become your new favorite weeknight dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Aim to create around 16-20 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook meatballs for 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even browning on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.
- Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream.
- Add remaining Cajun seasoning to the cream, whisking to combine. Simmer the cream sauce for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Return meatballs to the cream sauce, gently stirring to coat. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, mixing to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld together.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta.
Tips
- • For the most tender meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture when combining ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F without overcooking. • The secret to a perfect cream sauce is maintaining a gentle simmer - too high heat can cause the cream to separate. • Reserve some pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps create a silkier sauce and helps ingredients bind together. • For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting your Cajun seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding cream to enhance its aromatic qualities. • Want to make it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or increase the Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference. • Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 180mg
