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Cajun Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 82 reviews

This creamy Cajun Pasta recipe features a rich, flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, white wine, and a blend of Cajun spices, combined with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned and infused with a hint of fresh parsley and optional lemon juice, it’s an easy stovetop sauce that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Sauce

  • 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
  • 12 Tbsp. fresh minced parsley
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • 8 ounces dry pasta (your choice)
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and simmer until it reduces by half, approximately 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, sweet paprika, and dried oregano. Cook while stirring for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ aroma.
  4. Simmer with Cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Herbs: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh minced parsley. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. If desired, add the fresh lemon juice for brightness.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Cook your preferred 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Toss the pasta immediately with the Cajun sauce, adding the reserved pasta water to help the sauce bind smoothly to the noodles.

Notes

  • Use dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor.
  • The optional lemon juice adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning level depending on your spice preference.
  • Reserve pasta water is key for helping the sauce adhere to the pasta better.
  • This sauce pairs well with penne, fettuccine, or linguine.

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy pasta sauce, Cajun seasoning recipe, quick pasta dinner, Cajun cream sauce