Cajun Pasta Recipe
Cajun cuisine traces its roots back to the French settlers (Acadians) who arrived in Louisiana in the 18th century. The word "Cajun" comes from "Acadian," reflecting the French influence in the region. Over time, this cooking style evolved to incorporate local ingredients like seafood, peppers, and spices.
Equipment
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 1 pound (450g) of chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 pound (450g) of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season and Cook the ChickenWhile the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the VegetablesIn the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Cook the ShrimpAdd the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning it with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the SauceReduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the IngredientsReturn the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Garnish and ServeOnce everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Cajun pasta!