Description
This Creamy Cajun Pasta is a deliciously rich and spicy dish combining tender pasta with a flavorful cajun-spiced cream sauce. Featuring sautéed chicken or shrimp for protein, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of bold seasonings including smoked paprika and cayenne for a gentle heat, this recipe offers a comforting yet vibrant meal perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Protein (Optional)
- 1 pound chicken breast or shrimp
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 and set aside.
- Prepare the protein (optional): Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove and slice into strips. For shrimp, cook seasoned shrimp in the skillet 2-3 minutes per side until pink; remove from skillet.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spices: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using), cooking for an additional minute to release flavors.
- Add creamy liquids: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate cheese and season: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 1-2 minutes until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add protein and garnish: Top pasta with cooked chicken or shrimp and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or omit protein for a vegetarian dish.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control heat level.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- Parmesan cheese adds richness; avoid if vegan.
