Description
A rich and flavorful creamy Cajun pasta featuring tender chicken or shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and a spicy, cheesy sauce that delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Protein (optional)
- 1 pound chicken breast or shrimp
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fats & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
Cheese & Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 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. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the protein (optional): If using chicken, season both sides with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice it into thin strips. For shrimp, cook seasoned shrimp in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, then remove them from the skillet.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate spices: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using), cooking for another minute to toast the spices and develop flavor.
- Add creamy liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1-2 minutes until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add protein and garnish: Top the pasta with the cooked chicken or shrimp, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or omit protein for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to taste for desired heat level.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or reduce the amount of heavy cream.
- Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency.
