Cajun Spaghetti Recipe
There is nothing quite like the bold, vibrant flavors that come with a truly great Cajun Spaghetti Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a creamy, spicy sauce packed with garlic, bell peppers, and that signature Cajun seasoning that adds an irresistible kick. Whether you’re craving something comforting for a weeknight or want to impress friends with a little Southern flair, this Cajun Spaghetti Recipe promises a delicious and satisfying meal every time. The warmth of the spices combined with the tender pasta creates a plateful of magic that never fails to brighten up my dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cajun Spaghetti Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to create bold flavor, appealing texture, and bright color. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the tender crunch of bell peppers or the richness from olive oil and tomato paste.
- 150 g Spaghetti: The base of the dish, cooked al dente for the perfect bite.
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning: Infuses that unmistakable spicy and smoky flavor essential to the recipe.
- 1 Tsp Garlic: Provides fragrant depth and a little punch to the sauce.
- 1 Medium Onion (chopped): Offers natural sweetness and body to the sauce.
- 1 Medium Bell Pepper (green & yellow): Brings vibrant color and a crisp, fresh element.
- 2 Tsp Tomato Paste: Contributes a rich, concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
- 1/3 Tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering them.
- 1/3 Tsp Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and pungency to balance the seasonings.
- 1 Tbsp Pasta Water (or Veg/Chicken Broth): Helps bind the sauce, making it velvety and luxurious.
How to Make Cajun Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook Spaghetti Al Dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil with a teaspoon of olive oil to keep the spaghetti from sticking. Once the water bubbles vigorously, add your spaghetti and cook for about 8 minutes, just until it’s tender but still has a little bite—this ‘al dente’ texture is key to carrying the sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Drain and Reserve Pasta Water
Drain the spaghetti into a colander, reserving a bit of the pasta water for the sauce. Then rinse the pasta lightly and set it aside; this prevents it from sticking while your sauce cooks.
Step 3: Prepare the Spaghetti Sauce
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan until shimmering, then toss in the finely chopped garlic and onion. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and tender, releasing their natural sweetness that forms the flavor base.
Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Seasonings
Next, stir in your colorful chopped green and yellow bell peppers alongside 2 teaspoons of tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and the essential tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly to let the spices bloom and the tomato paste deepen the sauce’s flavor.
Step 5: Finish With Cream and Pasta Water
Lower the heat and pour in some heavy cream, stirring gently to meld all ingredients into a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce. Adding a tablespoon of reserved pasta water or broth helps create the perfect consistency, coating every strand of spaghetti with that gorgeous Cajun richness.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Finally, add your cooked spaghetti back into the pan and toss carefully to ensure every noodle is coated in the spicy, creamy sauce. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful finishing touch before serving up this vibrant, comforting dish hot and fresh.
How to Serve Cajun Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate this Cajun Spaghetti Recipe even further. Freshly chopped parsley or green onions offer a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the spices. For some extra indulgence, a light dusting of grated parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things up nicely.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables that bring complementary textures and flavors. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are fantastic for soaking up any sauce left on the plate. If you want a fuller meal, some grilled shrimp or blackened chicken make perfect protein sides that stay true to the Cajun spirit.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cajun Spaghetti Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase its colorful ingredients. Alternatively, twirling the pasta into neat nests on each plate can make for an elegant presentation. For a casual get-together, arrange the spaghetti on a large platter for everyone to dig in family-style—there’s something so inviting about sharing a flavorful pasta dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sauce slightly moist by adding a splash of broth or cream before refrigerating helps preserve the creamy texture when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Cajun Spaghetti, but it’s best to do so without the cheese garnish. Pack it in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to two months. When thawed, the texture might be just a bit softer, but the bold flavors will still be vibrant and satisfying.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly and maintain the luscious sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or any pasta shape you love. Just adjust cooking times to suit the pasta type.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
It has a moderate spice level that can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer it milder, start with less seasoning and add more gradually until it suits your palate perfectly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegetable broth for the pasta water. Make sure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Is it necessary to use pasta water in the sauce?
Pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling better to the noodles, making the dish creamier. If you don’t have it, vegetable or chicken broth is a good substitute.
What wine pairs well with Cajun Spaghetti?
A chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the bold spices without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Spaghetti Recipe is one of those meals that never fails to bring comfort, flavor, and a little excitement to the dinner table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but packed with character that will have everyone coming back for seconds. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover how a few simple ingredients can create such a tasty, memorable experience.
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Cajun Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Spaghetti recipe blends the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning with creamy tomato sauce and fresh vegetables, creating a deliciously comforting and easy-to-make pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 150 g Spaghetti
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Pasta water (or vegetable/chicken broth)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 Tsp Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 medium Bell pepper (green & yellow), chopped
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 2 Tsp Tomato Paste
- 1/3 Tsp Salt
- 1/3 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Heavy cream (quantity estimated 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti Al Dente: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a teaspoon of oil and salt to the water to prevent sticking. Add the spaghetti and cook for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, rinse briefly with cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped green and yellow bell peppers, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Create the Creamy Base: Reduce the heat to very low and slowly add heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend the sauce into a smooth and homogenous texture. Add reserved pasta water or broth if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top and mix well to combine.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun Spaghetti hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to help blend and loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Parmesan cheese adds richness, but can be omitted for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about half recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Cajun spaghetti, creamy pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner recipe, spicy pasta
