Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Vegetarian Chicken

Indulge in the bold flavors of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Vegetarian Chicken, a satisfying twist on the classic Southern-inspired dish! This recipe combines tender fettuccine with a creamy Parmesan-packed sauce infused with smoky Cajun seasoning and a hint of smoked paprika. Vibrant red and green bell peppers add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, while the plant-based chicken substitute provides a protein-rich, meatless alternative that's perfect for vegetarians. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is a delectable harmony of spice and richness, ideal for weeknight dinners or a special occasion. Garnished with fresh parsley, it's a crowd-pleaser that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for fans of creamy pasta recipes, vegetarian Cajun dishes, and plant-based cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz plant-based chicken substitute
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the plant-based chicken substitute and season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir in the sliced red and green bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they are slightly softened.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted, and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6

Add the cooked plant-based chicken back into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Toss the cooked fettuccine pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm everything through.

Step 8

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1425.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4044.2

Total Fat 258.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 132.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.7g
Cholesterol 622mg	0%
Sodium 7593.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 283.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.8g	0%
Total Sugars 21.4g
Protein 112.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1064.4mg	0%
Iron 7.3mg	0%
Potassium 1030.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.5%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 29.0%