Description
This Creamy Cajun Pasta combines tender fettuccine or penne pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce infused with Cajun spices, garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Optional chicken or shrimp add protein, while bell peppers and onions add texture and freshness. It’s a quick stovetop meal perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner bursting with smoky, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Protein (optional)
- 1 pound chicken breast or shrimp (optional)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 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 well and set aside.
- Prepare the protein (optional): If using chicken, season both sides with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into thin strips. If using shrimp, cook seasoned shrimp in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove shrimp from skillet.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate seasonings: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute to toast the spices and deepen flavor.
- Add liquids: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1-2 more minutes until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add additional chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin it out to desired consistency.
- Add protein and garnish: Top the pasta with cooked chicken strips or shrimp. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and brightness.
- Serve immediately: Plate the creamy Cajun pasta hot, offering extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spiciness.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining to help adjust the sauce consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and olive oil, though flavor and texture will vary.
