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Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta

Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta
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Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining bold Southern Cajun spices with a rich, creamy sauce and tender pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a spicy, smoky kick balanced by a luscious creamy texture, made with simple pantry ingredients and easily customizable with your choice of protein or veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp, diced or peeled

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Sauté the Protein and Veggies: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet. Add diced chicken or shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, chopped onions, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently. Add more Cajun seasoning to taste, then slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and protein back to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well combined and heated through, your Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta is ready to plate. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Perfect Spice Balance: Taste the sauce as you add seasoning to avoid overpowering the creaminess.
  • Cream Consistency: For thicker sauce, simmer the cream a bit longer before adding cheese.
  • Protein Prep: Cut proteins into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and vegetables elevates the dish’s flavors dramatically.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercook pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, spicy pasta, Southern cuisine, weeknight meal

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