Looking for a bold and flavorful pasta dish that’s both comforting and exciting? Cajun Pasta is here to satisfy your cravings! This dish is a perfect mix of spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, bringing a delightful kick to your tastebuds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want to impress guests, this recipe is guaranteed to pop!
Why This Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’:
- Flavors that pop: The rich, creamy sauce balances perfectly with the bold Cajun spices. It’s flavorful with just the right amount of heat!
- Easy to make: From the pasta to the creamy sauce, this one-pan wonder is simple enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough for a special occasion.
- Customizable: Want to make it spicier? Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce! Prefer shrimp or sausage? No problem! This dish is perfect for mixing and matching.
- Comforting and satisfying: The creamy, cheesy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, making each bite comforting yet exciting.
- Perfect for a crowd: Double the recipe for a dinner party or family gathering—this pasta is sure to please everyone!
Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor: Sauté the chicken or shrimp with a bit of onion powder, garlic powder, or even a splash of hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add in some sautéed mushrooms or even roasted vegetables for a hearty, veggie-packed meal.
- Extra creamy? Add a bit more heavy cream or even a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.
- For extra crunch: Toss in some crispy bacon bits or fried onions for added texture.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 1 lb chicken breast (or shrimp, or both, if you like a mix), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
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Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need it for the sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken (or Shrimp):
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken (or shrimp) with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes (chicken) or 2-3 minutes (shrimp), until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken (or shrimp) from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the tasty bits.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and an additional 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (to your taste).
- Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 3-4 minutes. If it becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken (or shrimp) to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
6. Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side (for a zesty kick!).