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Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta

Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta
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Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner ready in about 30 minutes. This dish features tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce with a bold, zesty kick from Cajun seasoning. It’s a comforting yet exciting meal perfect for busy evenings and customizable with various proteins and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

Protein

  • 1 pound chicken breast or shrimp, diced

Seasonings & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Oils & Fats

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Protein: While the pasta cooks, season the diced chicken or shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium heat with butter and olive oil, then cook the protein until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked protein to the skillet, then toss in the drained pasta. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun spice if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and vegetables to enhance flavor.
  • Undercook pasta slightly if tossing in sauce longer to avoid mushiness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Add Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice level.
  • Use a nonstick skillet to prevent burning during cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, one pan meal, chicken pasta, shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/quick-creamy-cajun-pasta/