Dinner

Cajun Pasta Recipe

Byreem everly October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Introduction

This creamy Cajun pasta sauce brings a flavorful kick to your dinner table with a blend of spices and a luscious, cheesy finish. Easy to make and ready in minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels special.

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta in a white bowl, filled with penne pasta coated in a smooth, light beige sauce. A wooden spoon is partially buried under the pasta near the bottom left of the bowl, lifting some pasta pieces that show a glossy texture. The top of the pasta is sprinkled lightly with green herbs and grated cheese, adding small spots of green and white on the otherwise warm-colored pasta. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-2 Tbsp. fresh minced parsley
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces dry pasta of your choice
1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Pour in the dry white wine and cook until it has reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, and dried oregano. Cook while stirring until the spices release their aroma, about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and fresh minced parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Step 6: Meanwhile, cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 7: Toss the cooked pasta immediately with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein-packed meal.
Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be mixed in for different flavor notes.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. It’s best to toss the freshly cooked pasta with sauce just before serving.

How to Serve

Close-up of creamy pasta dish in a white bowl, showing one layer of light yellow penne pasta evenly coated with a smooth, light orange creamy sauce. The sauce looks rich and slightly glossy, speckled with small green herb bits and black pepper flakes sprinkled over the top. In the middle, there is a wooden spoon partially covered by the pasta, adding a warm brown texture. The pasta pieces are well mixed with the sauce, some stacked on each other while others lie flat against the bowl, creating a simple but appetizing layering effect. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta with this sauce?

Yes, this Cajun sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes, such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine. Choose your favorite to suit your preference.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch can help thicken thinner creams or milk.