Creamy Cajun Pasta (Print Version)

Rich and flavorful pasta dish with creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, roasted bell peppers, and smoked paprika. Easy to prepare and satisfying.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
10 - ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
11 - ¼ cup vegetable broth
12 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving

# Directions:

01 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
04 - Add roasted bell peppers and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, mixing until smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
06 - Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated. Heat gently for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted peppers add a sweet, smoky depth that balances the heat perfectly.
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something impressive.
  • The sauce clings to every piece of pasta, so each bite is creamy and flavorful.
  • You can easily adapt it by adding protein or swapping in whatever vegetables you have on hand.
02 -
  • Don't skip reserving the pasta water, it's the best way to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
  • Roast the bell peppers until the skins are charred and blistered, then peel them while they're still warm for the easiest removal.
  • Taste the sauce before adding salt, because Cajun seasoning and Parmesan both bring their own saltiness to the mix.
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated, it melts into the sauce more smoothly and tastes significantly better.
  • Cook the pasta one minute under the package directions if you plan to toss it in the sauce, it will finish cooking and absorb more flavor.
  • If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes along with the Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
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