Creamy Cajun Pasta: Bold, Spicy, and Colorful

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with a dish that's as vibrant as it is delicious: Creamy Cajun Pasta! This trending recipe brings the soulful flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen, combining a rich, spicy cream sauce with colorful bell peppers, tender pasta, and your choice of protein. It's a meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a special occasion, guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Why Creamy Cajun Pasta is a Must-Try

What makes this pasta dish so irresistible? It's the harmonious blend of smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning with a luxurious, creamy sauce. The bell peppers add a beautiful pop of color and a touch of sweetness, balancing the heat. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with chicken, shrimp, sausage, or even make it vegetarian. Say goodbye to bland dinners and hello to a burst of flavor!

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment:

Large pot for pasta
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Whisk

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Season and Cook Protein: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your chicken or shrimp and sprinkle generously with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the protein from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine Everything: Stir in the cooked chicken or shrimp and the drained pasta. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Divide the creamy Cajun pasta among plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!