Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner idea? Try this Creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce With Parmesan! It's rich, spicy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to your favorite pasta. With a blend of Cajun spices and creamy Parmesan, this sauce will turn any meal into a deliciously satisfying treat. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Enjoy!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy Cajun pasta sauce combined with Cajun seasoning has a bold and absolutely delicious flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Cheesy Goodness: The addition of Parmesan adds a rich, cheesy touch that makes this Cajun cream sauce irresistible.
- Versatile: Perfect for pairing with any pasta, this creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce Recipe is easy to make and elevates your meal to restaurant-quality.
🥘 Ingredients
- Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty pasta that holds the creamy sauce well.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth base flavor.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the sauce.
- White Wine: Provides acidity and depth of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang.
- Cajun Spice: Infuses the sauce with bold, spicy flavors.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Garlic (Powdered or Minced): Provides a fragrant and savory depth to the sauce.
- Broccoli: Adds a healthy crunch and freshness.
- Fresh Spinach: Contributes color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 What Can I Add To Cajun Pasta Sauce?
- Spicy Sausage Cajun Pasta: Use sliced and cooked spicy sausage instead of bacon, and enhance the heat with additional cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Add diced cooked chicken breast and replace the white wine with chicken broth. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
- Seafood Cajun Pasta: Incorporate shrimp or scallops, add a splash of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
🔪 How To Make Creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce
Step One: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the box instructions, then drain and toss it with olive oil. In a large skillet, add chopped bacon and cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes until it crisps. Drain excess bacon grease. Deglaze the pan by adding white wine and scraping it.
Step Two: Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until the cream cheese melts and the mixture turns creamy. Mix in Cajun spice, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder or minced garlic for a flavorful boost.
Step Three: Add broccoli to the skillet, stir to combine, cover with a lid, and cook for 5-6 minutes.
Step Four: Stir in fresh spinach, cover the skillet again, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Step Five: Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy Cajun sauce mixture. Garnish your dish as desired and serve your delicious creamy Cajun pasta sauce for a flavorful meal.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Deglaze with the Right Liquid: After sautéing your meats and veggies, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth. This adds another layer of flavor and helps incorporate all the delicious bits stuck to the pan into your sauce.
- Consistency Control: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer for a thicker consistency or adding a splash of chicken broth if it becomes too thick.
- Taste Testing: Continuously taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the sauce is perfectly seasoned before serving.
💭 FAQs
Thick pasta like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni pairs well as they hold the sauce better, ensuring a flavorful bite each time.
Absolutely! You can skip the bacon and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, or substitute the meat with a plant-based protein.
You can make your own by mixing equal parts garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and thyme.
Store any leftover Creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best sides to serve with Creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce with Parmesan:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread with a buttery, herb-infused spread adds a flavorful and crunchy complement to the creamy pasta.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons provides a refreshing and tangy side dish.
- Grilled Shrimp: Juicy grilled shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices offer a perfect protein to pair with the creamy Cajun pasta sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy and fresh contrast to the rich and creamy Cajun pasta sauce.
- Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a bright and fresh element to the meal.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Creamy Cajun Pasta Sauce with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 10 slices Bacon chopped
- 1 cup White Wine
- 1 pint Heavy Cream
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese
- ¼ cup Cajun Spice
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 10 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 Broccoli cut in small pieces
- 4 ounces Spinach fresh
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the box instructions, then drain and toss it with olive oil.
- In a large skillet, add chopped bacon and cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes until it crisps. Drain excess bacon grease. Deglaze the pan by adding white wine and scraping it.
- Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until the cream cheese melts and the mixture turns creamy.
- Mix in Cajun spice, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder or minced garlic for a flavorful boost.
- Add broccoli to the skillet, stir to combine, cover with a lid, and cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach, cover the skillet again, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy Cajun sauce mixture.
- Garnish your dish as desired and serve your delicious creamy Cajun pasta sauce for a flavorful meal.
