Pasta with Cajun Cream Sauce
This is not for the diet conscious! This is a great side for chicken or shrimp, and served with steamed broccoli. Sub chicken broth for the wine and bouillon, if desired.
This is not for the diet conscious! This is a great side for chicken or shrimp, and served with steamed broccoli. Sub chicken broth for the wine and bouillon, if desired.
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
- 1 lb dry pasta (i like rigatoni)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granule
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning (or creole-use your favorite)
- Carbohydrate 107.564018838088 g
- Cholesterol 376.585000182211 mg
- Fat 101.110651298251 g
- Fiber 1.2076625106719 g
- Protein 72.1020325593326 g
- Saturated Fat 60.8077557784801 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (1222g)
- Sodium 2024.1712509429 mg
- Sugar 106.356356327416 g
- Trans Fat 5.20929187750211 g
- Calories 1616 calories
Step-by-step
- In large stockpot, boil water for pasta.
- In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and saute for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic, saute additional 1 minute.
- Stir chicken bouillon into white wine and add to pan.
- Using a wooden spoon, scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Let the wine reduce to half – about 3 minutes.
- In the meantime, cook your pasta to the al dente stage.
- Add cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste to the sauce.
- Stir.
- Add heavy cream.
- When the cream mixture is almost bubbling, turn heat to low.
- Let the creme mixture reduce to half – about 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta very well – add pasta to the creme sauce.
- Toss with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan.
- Serve.
Pasta with Cajun Cream Sauce: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes offer the most incredible flavors, and that’s exactly what this Pasta with Cajun Cream Sauce delivers. It’s a recipe that's become a staple in my kitchen – quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. It's incredibly adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand. Sometimes I'll add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Other times, I'll simply serve it as a rich and satisfying vegetarian side dish alongside a crisp salad. The creamy, Cajun-spiced sauce coats the pasta perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of dish that makes even a rushed weeknight feel a little more special.
What truly sets this recipe apart, beyond its undeniable deliciousness, is its speed. From start to finish, it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. This is crucial for me, balancing work, family, and everything in between. The simplicity of the ingredients also makes it a budget-friendly choice, perfect for those busy weeknights when a grocery store run is the last thing I want to do.
I often find myself adapting this recipe based on my family's preferences and what's in my pantry. Sometimes I swap the white wine for chicken broth for a lighter version. Other times, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick. The best part is, it always turns out perfectly, regardless of the minor tweaks I make. This recipe is a testament to the fact that effortless cooking doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor.
This recipe isn't just a quick weeknight meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with bold flavors. The creamy, spicy sauce complements the pasta beautifully, creating a dish that's both satisfying and utterly delicious. It's a recipe that I'll continue to make time and time again, a comforting constant in the whirlwind of my life.
I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different types of pasta, add your favorite vegetables, or even create your own unique Cajun spice blend. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy the deliciousness and the simplicity, and savor the moments of ease this recipe brings to your busy life.
Tips and Variations
For a spicier dish: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
Make it a complete meal: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or vegetables to the pasta.
Lighten it up: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Add some greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an added boost of nutrients.
Customize your spices: Experiment with different Cajun or Creole seasoning blends to find your perfect flavor profile.
No matter how you choose to make it, this Pasta with Cajun Cream Sauce is sure to become a new family favorite. It's a versatile, flavorful, and incredibly easy recipe that's perfect for any night of the week. So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying meal!
