Description
This Cajun Pasta Recipe delivers bold, spicy flavors combined with a creamy, velvety sauce that coats tender pasta perfectly. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite proteins or veggies. A family-friendly, versatile dish that introduces the vibrant taste of Cajun cuisine with ease and comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced, or shrimp peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers, and slice the chicken breasts or prepare the shrimp to have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Protein and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken or shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook until fully done. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a silky sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked protein to the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta, mixing well so it’s fully coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to warm through, then serve.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning blends for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked will better absorb the sauce.
- Deglaze the pan with broth or wine to enhance sauce depth.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control heat levels.
- Let the dish rest a minute before serving to meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, spicy pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, cajun seasoning, weeknight meal