Description
This delicious Cajun pasta features a creamy sauce loaded with succulent chicken or shrimp, bell peppers, and a kick of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta
- 1 pound Chicken or Shrimp
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Cheese (e.g., Parmesan, Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes or Jalapeños
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Boil a pot of water and add salt. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken or shrimp and sauté until fully cooked and golden, around 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the diced bell peppers and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened and vibrant.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, allowing the spices to mingle for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let it come to a simmer and thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and gently mix until the penne is well coated. Stir in any cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and your choice of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Substitute penne with rigatoni, fettuccine, or rotini if necessary.
- For a vegetarian/vegan option, replace chicken or shrimp with mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
- Heavy cream can be replaced with plant-based cream for a vegan-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg