There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, spicy pasta dish that comes together in just one pot. This One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta is the perfect combination of bold Cajun flavors, tender beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Cajun cuisine is all about bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors, and this pasta is no exception. Inspired by the flavors of Louisiana, this dish brings together well-seasoned beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash and maximum flavor as all the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to customize, making it perfect for spice lovers or those who prefer a milder dish. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime a comfort food craving strikes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot, minimal cleanup – No need to juggle multiple pots and pans! Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with flavor – The Cajun seasoning gives this dish a delicious smoky, spicy kick.
- Creamy and comforting – The sauce is perfectly rich and creamy, balancing out the bold spices.
- Customizable spice level – You can easily adjust the heat to suit your preference.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, followed by the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. This step is where the flavors start to build!
Step 3: Season and Add Veggies
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef in all that delicious spice. Toss in the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and milk. Give everything a good stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth as it cooks.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you want an extra spicy kick, sprinkle in a little more Cajun seasoning. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the spice level – If you like it extra spicy, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and use sweet paprika instead of smoked.
- Use the right pasta – Penne works great, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or any other short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Make it even creamier – For an ultra-rich sauce, add an extra splash of heavy cream or a bit more cheese.
- Swap the protein – Instead of beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even sliced sausage for a different twist.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it continues to absorb liquid after cooking, stop just when it’s al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
- Diet: Halal-Friendly
Notes
- If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sugar: ~7g
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This pasta reheats well, so you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the milk and heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. Use dairy-free cheese or simply leave it out for a lighter version.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time slightly.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze it, creamy pasta dishes sometimes change texture when thawed. If freezing, store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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Conclusion
This One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta is a flavor-packed, creamy, and comforting meal that comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will satisfy your cravings while keeping cleanup to a minimum. Try it tonight and enjoy a bowl of spicy, cheesy goodness!
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One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, spicy pasta dish that comes together in just one pot. This One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta is the perfect combination of bold Cajun flavors, tender beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Cajun cuisine is all about bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors, and this pasta is no exception. Inspired by the flavors of Louisiana, this dish brings together well-seasoned beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash and maximum flavor as all the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to customize, making it perfect for spice lovers or those who prefer a milder dish. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime a comfort food craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, followed by the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. This step is where the flavors start to build!
Step 3: Season and Add Veggies
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef in all that delicious spice. Toss in the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and milk. Give everything a good stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth as it cooks.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you want an extra spicy kick, sprinkle in a little more Cajun seasoning. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.