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- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups vegetable broth To make this dish, you need a few key items. Start with 12 oz of your favorite pasta. Penne or fettuccine works best. Choose 1 cup of either fresh or canned diced tomatoes to add flavor. You also need 1 cup of heavy cream for that rich texture. Finally, grab 2 cups of vegetable broth to cook the pasta and give it extra taste. - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste Spices make this dish pop! You will use 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning for that classic kick. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust these to match your flavor preference. - 1 cup cooked chicken, diced - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley for garnish Want to make it heartier? Add 1 cup of cooked diced chicken. It adds protein and flavor. Frozen peas are a great choice too; just toss in 1 cup for some color and texture. Lastly, use fresh parsley to garnish your dish. It makes it look nice and adds a fresh taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one diced onion. Sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Then, stir in two minced garlic cloves and one diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant, and the flavors will blend nicely. Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff. Toss in 12 ounces of your choice of pasta, one cup of diced tomatoes, one cup of heavy cream, and two cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything to combine well. Raise the heat until your mixture reaches a gentle boil. Lower the heat to simmer. Cover your pot with a lid and let it cook for 12-15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally. This helps your pasta cook evenly and keeps it from sticking. With about 3 minutes left to cook, mix in one cup of cooked chicken, diced (if you’re using it), and one cup of frozen peas. Stir gently to incorporate them. This warms them through without overcooking the pasta. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, take the pot off the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a rich, creamy texture to your dish. Make sure it melts in smoothly. Before serving, taste your creamy Cajun pasta. Adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt or pepper. This step ensures that every bite is just right. To make your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta great, follow a few simple tips. First, stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps avoid any sticking. Keep the heat low as it simmers. This way, the pasta cooks evenly. If you notice the pasta sticking, add a splash of broth or water. This keeps it creamy and smooth. Presentation matters when serving your dish. Use shallow bowls to serve the pasta. This makes it look nice and inviting. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for extra flavor and shine. For a colorful touch, add a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of red chili flakes. This adds both color and a bit of heat. Want to kick up the flavor? Here are some ideas. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you like a zesty twist, try squeezing fresh lemon juice on top. You can also mix in some fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro. These will brighten up the dish and add more layers of flavor. Pro Tips Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or fettuccine, to maximize flavor in every bite. Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of white wine along with the vegetable broth for an extra layer of flavor that complements the Cajun spices. Perfect Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or mix in a bit of cream cheese while stirring in the Parmesan. Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley as a garnish, as it brightens the dish and adds a fresh burst of flavor that dried herbs can't replicate. {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free dish, you can easily switch things up. Just substitute the chicken with tasty mushrooms or add more peas. Mushrooms bring a nice umami flavor, while peas add a sweet crunch. You can use 1 cup of diced mushrooms or 1 ½ cups of peas. This change keeps it hearty and satisfying. For a creamy dish without dairy, use coconut milk or cashew cream. Coconut milk gives a rich taste and a hint of sweetness. Cashew cream adds a nutty flavor and smooth texture. Simply replace the heavy cream with 1 cup of either option. This makes the dish light yet creamy. Do you love heat? You can spice up your creamy Cajun pasta by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Start with one diced jalapeño and adjust to your taste. If you prefer hot sauce, add it a little at a time until it reaches your desired heat level. This twist adds a kick that will warm you up! You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to put them in an airtight container. This helps keep the pasta fresh and tasty. If you plan to eat them later, let them cool first before sealing. When reheating, do it slowly. Put the pasta in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often. This method helps prevent overcooking and keeps the creamy sauce smooth. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid to restore creaminess. Yes, you can use other pasta types! Some great options include rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Always check the package instructions for the best results. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since gluten-free pasta can cook faster. If you want more heat, try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also increase the Cajun seasoning. For a smoky flavor, add more smoked paprika. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance. Absolutely! To double the recipe, simply double all the ingredients. Make sure you have a large enough pot. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may take a few extra minutes to cook the pasta. This recipe teaches you how to make a creamy pasta dish. You start with basic pasta and add fresh ingredients and spices. Optional add-ins like chicken and peas boost flavor and nutrition. Remember to adjust seasonings for your taste. You can also change the dish to fit your needs with variations and storage tips. Try this dish for a comforting meal any day. Enjoy creating your own version!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish infused with Cajun flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the garlic to become fragrant.
  • Add the pasta, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, vegetable broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  • About 3 minutes before the pasta is done cooking, gently stir in the diced cooked chicken (if using) and frozen peas. Mix well to heat them through without overcooking the pasta.
  • Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and fully incorporated, enriching the dish.
  • Taste your creamy concoction and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preferences.
  • Dish out the creamy Cajun pasta hot, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an enticing presentation.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and drizzle an extra bit of olive oil on top for added sheen. Garnish with a slice of lemon or red chili flakes for extra flavor.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, one-pot, pasta, quick meal