Creamy Cajun Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Pasta is the perfect mixture of creaminess, smokiness, and spice. This pasta is loaded up with veggies, from mushrooms and bell peppers, to peas and zucchini.
Servings: 5
Ingredients
Cajun Pasta
- 16 oz fettuccine (or other pasta)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow or red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms (baby bella or button), sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 c frozen peas
- 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
- ½ tsp salt, divided
- ¼ tsp black pepper, divided
Creamy Cajun Sauce
- 2 Tbsp vegan or low fat butter (see notes)
- 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 c low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 c 2% milk
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Mince the garlic. Chop the bell peppers and zucchini. Thinly slice the onion and mushrooms. Halve the tomatoes.
- Bring a large sauce pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions, about 7 to 8 minutes for al dente pasta. Drain and return to the pan. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- While the water is boiling, start cooking the vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, bell pepper, and onion. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and zucchini. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms begin sweating. Add in the tomatoes and frozen peas. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the peas are warmed. Cover and remove from heat.
- At the same time that the vegetables are cooking, start on the sauce. In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Add the vegetable broth and milk and whisk vigorously. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it begins to thicken, whisking regularly to prevent burning.
- Transfer the vegetables to the same pot as the pasta. Cover with the desired amount of sauce (you will likely have extra sauce). Stir together to incorporate. Divide the pasta among plates and top with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!