Sizzling One Pot Cajun Beef Pasta Recipe That Wows Everyone

Craving a mouthwatering one pot cajun beef pasta that packs serious flavor without complicated steps?

Weeknight dinners just got incredibly delicious with this simple yet bold recipe.

Spicy, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta in a single skillet.

Home cooks rejoice – no multiple pots or complicated techniques required here.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of zesty cajun seasoning and rich, comforting sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction make this recipe a total game-changer for busy households.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing meal that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Cajun Beef Pasta One-Pot Highlights

• Packed with bold Cajun spices and creamy texture, this pasta delivers a mouthwatering experience that'll tantalize your taste buds.
• Enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, making this recipe a total winner for home cooks seeking convenience.
• A versatile dish that appeals to both adults and kids, transforming a simple pasta night into a memorable family feast.

Ingredients in One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides a rich and savory foundation for the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Smoked Paprika, Thyme, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: A powerful blend of spices that creates a bold and zesty Cajun flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that add depth and complexity to the overall taste of the pasta.

• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the pasta and enhances the meaty taste.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture to the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and slightly acidic element to balance the richness.

• Penne Pasta: The main carbohydrate that absorbs the delicious sauce and completes the one-pot meal.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and helping ingredients brown.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and richness.
• Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Bright garnishes that provide a fresh contrast to the rich dish.

One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Toss ground beef into the pan and break it into crumbly pieces while cooking.

Let the meat turn golden brown and fully cooked, releasing delicious meaty flavors.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Stir and sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, creating a delightful base for your pasta.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Thyme
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Stir quickly to coat the beef and activate those incredible spice flavors.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle bubble.

Add penne pasta, ensuring it’s completely covered by the saucy mixture.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the skillet and reduce heat.

Let the pasta cook slowly, absorbing all those rich, spicy flavors.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until pasta reaches tender deliciousness and sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Final Flavor Touches

Taste and adjust seasonings.

Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese for extra creaminess.

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your one-pot wonder!

Cooking Tips for One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

• Toast Cajun spices briefly before adding to beef for deeper, more robust taste profiles.
• Stir pasta frequently and check doneness early to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente consistency.
• Keep extra broth or cream nearby to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick or dry during cooking.
• Choose leaner ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor and moisture.
• Reduce Cajun seasoning amount for sensitive palates or swap with milder spice blends to customize spiciness level.

Store and Reheat One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta Easily

• Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavors.
• Portion pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a few tablespoons of broth or cream to prevent sticking. Stir gently and continuously until pasta reaches desired temperature.

Sides That Go with Cajun Beef Pasta

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a bold, spicy red like Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the Cajun seasoning's heat and richness of the beef pasta.
• Cooling Beverage Match: Prepare a crisp, cold beer such as a wheat ale or light lager to balance the dish's spiciness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Sidekick Salad Suggestion: Create a tangy green salad with citrus vinaigrette to cut through the creamy pasta's heaviness and add bright, zesty notes to the meal.
• Cheese Companion Recommendation: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or pepper jack on top to enhance the Cajun spices and add an extra layer of creamy, melty goodness.

Fun Styles for One-Pot Cajun Beef Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, black beans, or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the Cajun flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap pasta entirely with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lower-carbohydrate, keto-friendly rendition of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Cream Substitute: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make the dish suitable for those avoiding dairy while preserving the creamy texture.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and herbs that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version to control the heat level. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to cool down the spiciness.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional penne pasta contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour.

• What meat alternatives can I use?

Ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes for beef. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu seasoned with Cajun spices.

Cajun Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun beef pasta brings Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with a fiery kick of flavor. Bold Creole seasonings and tender beef create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Base Ingredients:

• 8 oz (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, fragmenting the meat and developing a rich caramelized exterior. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.
2. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the browned beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning blend, paprika variations, thyme, onion and garlic powders over the meat mixture. Toast spices for 1-2 minutes to intensify their aromatic profiles.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform sauce base.
5. Submerge penne pasta completely in the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow contents to simmer for 11-13 minutes.
6. Periodically stir the pasta to prevent sticking and promote consistent cooking. Check pasta tenderness and sauce consistency, adjusting liquid if necessary.
7. Once pasta reaches al dente texture, remove from heat. Optional: Fold in shredded cheese for enhanced creaminess. Taste and recalibrate seasoning as desired.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and sauce texture.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of the dish that still packs incredible flavor.
• Dial down the Cajun seasoning for sensitive palates by using half the recommended amount, allowing everyone to enjoy the meal without overwhelming spice.
• Toast the spices briefly before adding liquids to intensify their aroma and develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Create a gluten-free option by substituting regular penne with chickpea or rice pasta, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can still savor this delicious one-pot wonder.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg