Creamy Cajun Pasta with Roasted Peppers (Printable)

Rich and flavorful pasta with creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, smoked paprika, and roasted bell peppers. Comforting and satisfying.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
11 - 1/4 cup vegetable broth
12 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
05 - Add roasted bell pepper slices and sauté for 2 minutes.
06 - Pour in heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
08 - Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated. Heat gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
09 - Divide among serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for nights when you want comfort without the wait.
  • The smoky, creamy sauce clings to every piece of pasta, delivering bold flavor in every bite.
  • You can easily adjust the spice level or add protein without changing the core of the dish.
02 -
  • Reserve that pasta water before draining, it's your secret weapon for loosening the sauce without breaking the creaminess.
  • Don't let the garlic cook past golden or it'll turn the whole dish bitter and sharp.
  • Taste your Cajun seasoning before adding it, some brands are much spicier than others.
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded, it melts smoother and tastes sharper.
  • If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes when you bloom the spices.
  • Roast your own bell peppers over an open flame or under the broiler for the best smoky flavor.
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