5 Easy Cajun Pasta Recipes You'll Love

The Cajun cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and vibrant ingredients, often combining French, Spanish, and African culinary influences to create dishes that are both rich and comforting. One of the most beloved Cajun dishes to grace dinner tables worldwide is Cajun Pasta. Here, we'll explore five easy Cajun Pasta recipes that you're sure to love, incorporating a variety of textures and tastes that make each dish uniquely satisfying.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Let’s kick off our culinary journey with the creamy, savory Cajun Chicken Alfredo. This dish marries the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the smoothness of Alfredo sauce.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  • Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a bit to marinate.
  • Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until no longer pink inside. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, then slowly whisk in the parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and toss to combine. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.

Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Cajun Pasta

Next up, we add a touch of the sea with Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Cajun Pasta. The smokiness of the sausage pairs perfectly with succulent shrimp.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
  • In a large pan, cook the sausage until it releases some oil. Add shrimp, season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and cook until pink. Remove both from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, then pour in the cream. Let it simmer until thickened.
  • Combine pasta, shrimp, and sausage in the pan. Mix well to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Serve hot, topped with parsley.

Cajun Vegetable Pasta

For the vegetarian food enthusiasts, the Cajun Vegetable Pasta offers an explosion of flavors without the meat.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb linguine pasta
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for vegans
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  • Cook pasta as directed, then set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Season with Cajun seasoning and cook until vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the cream, bring to a simmer, and add parmesan or nutritional yeast. Mix until well blended.
  • Add pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. Serve garnished with basil leaves.

Cajun Seafood Pasta

Delving deeper into seafood delights, the Cajun Seafood Pasta combines shrimp, scallops, and mussels for a seafood lover’s paradise.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb linguine or fettuccine
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lb scallops
  • 1/2 lb mussels, cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  • Cook pasta to al dente, drain, and reserve.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
  • Add seafood, season with half the Cajun seasoning, and cook until shrimp is pink and mussels have opened. Discard any unopened mussels.
  • Pour in wine or broth, let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then add cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
  • Mix in the pasta, stir well, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

Finally, we round out our list with a twist on the classic Cajun dish, introducing the Cajun Jambalaya Pasta.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb rigatoni pasta
  • 1/2 lb chicken, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh thyme and parsley for garnish
• Steps:
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot, cook sausage until browned. Remove from pot.
  • Sauté chicken until cooked through, seasoning with half the Cajun seasoning. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until soft. Add remaining seasoning, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in cream, then add pasta, sausage, and chicken. Toss to combine. Simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
  • Garnish with thyme and parsley before serving.

🌶️ Note: If you're sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and adjust to taste. Remember, you can always add more but you can't take it away!

Our journey through these five easy Cajun Pasta recipes showcases the versatility of this regional cuisine, where heat, creaminess, and a touch of the outdoors come together. Whether you're in the mood for a seafood feast or a vibrant vegetarian dish, these recipes will transport you to the heart of New Orleans with every bite. The bold flavors of Cajun seasoning blend seamlessly with rich, creamy sauces and hearty ingredients, making these dishes not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying to eat.

What is Cajun seasoning?

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Cajun seasoning is a spice blend usually consisting of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and other herbs and spices. It’s used to add heat and depth of flavor to dishes.

Can I make these dishes less spicy?

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Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend. You can also add sweetness or dairy like cream to balance out the heat.

What kind of pasta works best for Cajun recipes?

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Hearty pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni work well as they can hold onto the thick, flavorful sauces common in Cajun dishes.

Can I prepare these pasta dishes ahead of time?

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Yes, but pasta might absorb some of the sauce over time. If you’re making ahead, slightly undercook the pasta, then toss it with some oil to prevent sticking. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to refresh the dish.

Are there any vegan options?

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You can easily adapt these recipes for vegans. Use plant-based cream, skip the meat and seafood, and incorporate various veggies, legumes, or tofu. Nutritional yeast can serve as a cheese substitute for that cheesy flavor.