Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce
Indulge in the bold and creamy flavors of Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce—a mouthwatering dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, spicy sauce and your choice of sautéed chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. This recipe features aromatic Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and broth, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Perfectly balanced with a touch of heat, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, it's served beautifully with a garnish of fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Whether you're craving hearty comfort food or a flavorful twist on traditional pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 oz chicken breast, shrimp, or vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
If using chicken or shrimp, season them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and add them to the skillet. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside. If using vegetables, sauté them for 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized, then set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning into the skillet and stir. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
Return the cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is evenly combined.
Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
638 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.4 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.6 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 159 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 756 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.9 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 36.2 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 140 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 299 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
