Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Indulge in the bold and creamy flavors of Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce—a mouthwatering dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, spicy sauce and your choice of sautéed chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. This recipe features aromatic Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and broth, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Perfectly balanced with a touch of heat, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, it's served beautifully with a garnish of fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Whether you're craving hearty comfort food or a flavorful twist on traditional pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 12 oz chicken breast, shrimp, or vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3

If using chicken or shrimp, season them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and add them to the skillet. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside. If using vegetables, sauté them for 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized, then set aside.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning into the skillet and stir. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

Step 8

Return the cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is evenly combined.

Step 9

Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1172.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2568.8

Total Fat 159.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 631.2mg	0%
Sodium 6602.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 116.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 4.2g
Protein 143.1g	0%

Vitamin D 44.2IU	0%
Calcium 548.6mg	0%
Iron 5.5mg	0%
Potassium 1161.5mg	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: 58.1%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 18.8%