I did an inventory of recipes on the blog and it turns out that I don’t have a lot (read: hardly any) pasta dishes here. I mean, yes there’s that lasagna, and that salad loaded with pepperoni and mozzarella, and several renditions of macaroni and cheese, but in the aggregate, my site is deficient in main course pasta. There’s a reason for that. Scott has requested — actually declared — that he doesn’t want to eat pasta. He likes it, but feels like it undoes all his hard work at the gym. I understand, but my craving for Cajun Meatballs and Pasta — overruled his directive!
And I blame Sean Kolina. He’s the co-owner of Legion of Spice, and he recently sent me a few jars of his spice blends for sampling. Bayou Black (which I used for this recipe) is a classic Cajun rub and seasoning with paprika, oregano and cayenne pepper — it has a distinctive N’awlins bite. Black n’ Bluesy is more of a spicy cajun powder with a notable flavor of blue cheese (how did they do that?)
These rubs would be great on chicken, seafood, potatoes, vegetables — really anything, but I had some ground pork that was defrosting in the fridge and suddenly I was jonesing for some meatballs. Cajun spice meatballs.
I was going to spiralize some “zoodles” to go with them, per Scott’s edict, but then — I thought of you, dear reader — and my shocking lack of pasta. There was half a package of whole wheat farfalle in the pantry and well… one thing led to another…
You wouldn’t believe the blowback I got from Scott. Emphatically shaking his head, rolling his eyes and letting a frustrated sigh escape his mouth, “You made what?!! I asked you, not to fix pasta!”
Geez. You’d have thought I was serving him calves brains. So — I rationalized. “It’s whole wheat pasta“. “There’s lots of vegetables, too. It’s healthy-ish. And did I mention the meatballs?” He was only slightly mollified.
Of course, it was a different story when we actually sat down to dinner and those heavenly cajun aromas enveloped him. The vegetables were crisp tender, the pasta, al dente and the lightly spiced cajun cream sauce brought it all together. But it was the Cajun spiced meatballs that shone through… moist, flavorful and satisfying. He claimed the leftovers for his lunch the next day. Trust me, you want this.
Legion of Spice will be rolling out even more spice blends soon, but you can find Bayou Black and Black n’ Bluesy now on their website. Be sure to mention that you heard about them on Garlic + Zest! Oh – and aside from having really delicious seasonings, Legion of Spice is committed to donating 10% of profits to helping feed the hungry – this is a company that cares about the community and is actively doing their part. Find out more about their philanthropy here! And let me know how you like the pasta!
A homestyle favorite with cajun flair!
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion minced
- 1 large clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Legion of Spice Bayou Black Seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 pound cooked farfalle cooked one minute under al dente, I used whole wheat, orecchiette or other similarly sized pasta
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini sliced vertically and then crosswise into half moons
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Legion of Spice Bayou Black Seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe tomato diced
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
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In a large bowl, combine the pork, onion, garlic, parsley, cajun seasoning and egg. Mix thoroughly with your hands. Measure out rounded tablespoons of pork mixture and roll into balls. Set aside.
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Heat a heavy skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon canola oil. Working in batches when oil is hot, add meatballs, cooking on all sides until browned and mostly cooked through -- can be a little pink inside because the meatballs will continue to cook later. Transfer meatballs to a plate and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat tablespoon canola oil over medium high heat. Add the peppers and zucchini and saute for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with the cajun seasoning and cook an additional minute. Add the broth and bring it to a boil, cooking for an additional minute. Stir in the cream. Add the meatballs and pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and place a tight fitting lid on the pan. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and check for seasonings, adding salt and pepper if desired.
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To serve, sprinkle with fresh chopped tomato and parsley.
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What a colorful recipe filled with delicious veggies. I love the idea of a kick from the meatballs. This recipe is right up my alley!
Thanks, Ali – I’m glad you like it!
I love cajun flavors! These meatballs look delicious. Too bad your husband was complaining about the pasta! With all those veggies in the mix it sounds pretty healthy to me! Can’t wait to try.
He complained until he tasted it, then he loved it!
Yummmm I adore meatballs! Don’t get to eat them enough because the other half is veggie but this dish sounds great. I love the twist on a classic. I’ll give these a try next time I have some meat eaters over for dinner 🙂
We love meatballs too! Definitely get some carnivores for this one!
Love this recipe! I am cooking pasta very often, so I will give this a try! Pinned and Yummed!
I appreciate that!
I think this could be a hit at my house. Love your writing style!
Thank you so much!
This dish looks delish! I will be trying it.
Let me know how you like it!
YUM!! So good.. I love the veggies in this… trying this!
Glad you like it!
YUM, these spices and meatballs look amazing!
Hi! Nice recipe, I would do the same with minced chicken, as I don’t eat beef, pork.
I’m sure that would work well too!
Though I don’t eat meat, I could see this spice mix working in many other veggie variations. I love me anything spicy!
I hear you! We are spice fiends too!
I can practically smell the heady spices from here! Such a great use of cajun spices 🙂
Those aromas really get your stomach growling!
Love anything cajun! This recipe looks so easy, perfect for weeknights! I’ve never had cajun and pasta though, but now I’m convinced!
Thanks so much! Let me know how you like it!
It looks like your pasta to vege ratio is approximately 50/50. He shouldn’t have complained too badly! He’s about polar opposites of my husband who would eat pasta every night if I let him! 🙂
LOL! He complains because he knows he’ll EAT IT when I fix something like that. If it’s not there – he won’t! It’s a twisted logic.