Spicy Creamy Cajun Pasta Bake Recipes

SPICY & CREAMY CAJUN PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• Add rub or marinade to chicken and set in refrigerator for at least an hour (or you can buy an already-cajun-marinated chicken breast).
• In the blender, combine whipping cream, can of tomatoes, garlic, chipotle pepper (pouring in a little of the adobo sauce for an extra flavor boost, if desired), and salt & pepper to taste. Blend well and set aside.
• Sautee marinated/rubbed chicken in olive oil until almost done and then add red pepper, onion and mushroom, sauteeing until vegetables are tender.
• Turn heat down to medium-low and pour cream sauce over chicken & veggies.Simmer for 30-45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta only about half-way through; when sauce is done simmering and has thickened a bit, add the pasta and coat thoroughly.
• Pour into a baking dish and sprinkle with parmesean cheese; bake covered with foil for 20 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 10-12 minutes. (this is also a good time to add the garlic bread to the oven, if preparing).
• Remove from oven and let sit for a couple of minutes - and then ENJOY!

CREAMY CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA

Steps:

• Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the water and cover the pasta to keep warm.
• Coat the shrimp with 1 Tbsp of the cajun seasoning. In a deep skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and saute for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is no longer translucent, remove from skillet and cover to keep warm.
• In the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter with the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the diced tomatoes and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
• Pour in the heavy whipping cream, remaining 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer then reduce to medium/low heat and continue 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
• Add the shrimp and pasta back into the skillet and stir until noodles are coated in sauce and everything is heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve.