When you're in the mood for a meal that's bursting with flavor but short on time, this 5-Ingredient Cajun Pasta recipe is the perfect solution. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that's rich, creamy, and packed with Cajun spices. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to impress without keeping you stuck in the kitchen for hours. Let's dive into how to make this quick and delicious pasta dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
Choose your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or bowtie.
Cajun Seasoning
You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Protein
Pots for either shrimp or chicken, depending on your preference.
Heavy Cream
This will give your sauce a rich and creamy texture.
Bell Peppers and Onion
These vegetables add flavor and color to the dish. Choose a combination of red, green, or yellow bell peppers for variety.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve some of the pasta water.
Prepare the Protein
If you're using shrimp, peel and devein them. For chicken, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Season the protein with Cajun seasoning, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated.
Sauté the Protein and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned protein and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque or the chicken is cooked through. Remove the protein from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté them until they're tender and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Create the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate them into the sauce. Let the cream simmer gently until it begins to thicken, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked protein to the skillet with the thickened cream sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Cajun pasta immediately, garnishing it with a sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning or freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor.
Conclusion
With just five simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a delicious Cajun pasta that's sure to satisfy your cravings in no time. Whether you're a fan of seafood or poultry, this versatile recipe allows you to customize it to your liking. So, the next time you need a quick and flavorful meal, give this 5-Ingredient Cajun Pasta recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Louisiana right in your own kitchen.
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