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Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta

Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta
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Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, spicy cream sauce infused with Cajun spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines bold, warming flavors with creamy indulgence, perfect for busy weeknights or easy dinner solutions that satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
  2. Sauté the Protein and Veggies: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken or shrimp along with diced bell peppers and garlic, cooking until the protein is cooked through and the peppers are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Build the Sauce: Sprinkle your Cajun seasoning over the sautéed ingredients, stirring to coat evenly. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer gently and thicken as it melds with the spices, roughly 3-5 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta right into the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta soaks up that luscious creamy Cajun sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce and ensure every bite is perfectly coated.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Turn off the heat, sprinkle in fresh Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning according to preference before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and bell peppers to elevate the flavor beyond pre-packaged spices.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds better in creamy sauces.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed, keeping it silky smooth.
  • Season gradually with Cajun seasoning to avoid overpowering heat.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent burning and evenly cook protein and sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, spicy pasta, weeknight meal, comfort food

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