Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Pasta delivers bold, zesty flavors with a creamy sauce that balances the spice perfectly. Featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken (or sausage), tender pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Season the Chicken (or Sausage):

• Season the chicken or sausage with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.

3. Cook the Chicken or Sausage:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken or sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add butter, onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan and smoked paprika, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Combine Pasta and Chicken:

• Add the cooked pasta and chicken (or sausage) back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

7. Serve and Garnish:

• Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

1. Protein Variations:

• Substitute shrimp, smoked sausage, or even tofu for the chicken to create a unique twist on the recipe.

2. Vegetarian Option:

• For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

3. Spice Level:

• Adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.

4. Extra Cheesy:

• For an extra cheesy sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar along with the Parmesan.

5. Make it Lighter:

• Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream to reduce calories, though this may slightly affect the creaminess.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garlic Bread:
  Pair with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the delicious Cajun cream sauce.
• Green Salad:
  A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables:
  Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating:

In the Fridge:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

In the Freezer:

• This creamy Cajun pasta can be frozen, but the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Cajun Pasta is a perfect balance of spicy and creamy, making it a satisfying dish for pasta lovers and Cajun spice fans alike. The bold flavors of the Cajun seasoning paired with the rich, cheesy sauce create a comforting, indulgent meal that’s easy to whip up. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a special night in, this dish is sure to impress!

Yield: 4

Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe

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This Creamy Cajun Pasta delivers bold, zesty flavors with a creamy sauce that balances the spice perfectly. Featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken (or sausage), tender pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Season and Cook the Chicken (or Shrimp):
   In a bowl, toss the chicken or shrimp with Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken or shrimp and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. If using shrimp, cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk together, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
   
4. Add Spices and Tomatoes:
   Add smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and diced tomatoes to the sauce. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
   Add the cooked pasta and chicken (or shrimp) back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
   
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

Protein Options: You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even a combination of proteins for variety.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.

Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and shrimp and add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian option.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.