Cajun pasta is a delicious and spicy dish that originates from the Cajun cuisine of Louisiana. It typically features a combination of pasta, a rich and creamy sauce, and various ingredients that give it a distinctive flavor profile. Here’s a simple recipe for Cajun pasta:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 225g) penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (about 450g) chicken breast, sliced into strips (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. If using chicken, season the strips with Cajun seasoning and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. SautΓ© the sliced bell peppers and onions until they are softened.
- Add minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it. Bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken (if using) back to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve your Cajun pasta hot and enjoy the bold and spicy flavors! Adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
