Vegetarian Cajun Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish made with pasta and fresh veggies in a rich, velvety sauce flavored with Cajun spices. It is spicy, delicious and so easy to make in 30 minutes. This creamy Cajun pasta recipe makes a comforting meal, perfect for weeknight dinners.
I’m sharing how to make creamy vegetarian Cajun pasta with homemade Cajun seasoning.
This easy creamy Vegetarian Cajun pasta recipe is a new family favorite, and my kids love it in their lunchboxes, too! It is quick and easy to prepare and turns out creamy, spicy, flavorful, and delicious!
This pasta dish combines bold Cajun flavors, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a creamy sauce, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or for impressing your guests with minimal effort!
I love serving this vegetarian cajun pasta with my Caesar salad, soup, or Cheesy garlic bread for that restaurant-style experience at home!
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What is Cajun Pasta?
Cajun pasta is a spicy, creamy dish loaded with fresh vegetables seasoned with bold Cajun spices. It makes a flavorful, comforting meal.
The term “Cajun” refers to both – a group of people and a cultural and culinary tradition associated with the Acadian settlers of French descent who were expelled from Acadia (now Nova Scotia, Canada) by the British in the mid-18th century.
The Acadians resettled in the southern United States, particularly Louisiana, where they developed a distinct culture and cuisine (i.e., Cajun cuisine, known for its bold and flavorful dishes).
Cajun pasta is inspired by Cajun cuisine’s smoky, spicy flavors. It typically features a creamy sauce seasoned with bold spices such as paprika, chili flakes, and Cajun seasoning.
This dish is often loaded with vegetables like bell peppers and onions, proteins like chicken, sausage, shrimp, tofu, chickpeas (for vegetarian or vegan versions), and pasta of choice, such as penne or fettuccine.
For my version of this Cajun pasta recipe, I have kept it vegetarian, using only veggies that pair perfectly with the spicy, creamy Cajun sauce. But you can add the protein of your choice, too.
Overall, this Cajun Pasta is a hearty, comforting meal with a kick of spice and a creamy texture that balances the bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- This vegetarian Cajun pasta is delicious, creamy, spicy, and flavorful.
- It is loaded with fresh vegetables and homemade cajun seasoning!
- It is quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- It makes a comforting, satisfying weeknight dinner or cozy meal.
- Vegetarian-friendly and easily customizable.
Recipe Ingredients
Pasta: I have used mini penne pasta, but you can use your favorite type of pasta shape or gluten-free pasta if you have any dietary restrictions.
Spices: You need Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, paprika (or red chili powder), salt, and black pepper. Cajun seasoning is a spice blend featuring paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. This cajun spice blend is used to flavor meats, vegetables, and sauces. You can make your own (I’ve included the recipe below) or use store–bought.
Garlic: Use freshly grated or minced garlic for this recipe. Please don’t skip it, as they add tons of flavor to the recipe
Onion: I have used sliced red onions. You can also use yellow or green onions.
Tomato: I have used chopped Roma tomato along with tomato paste. You can also use cherry tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, or fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
Veggies: along with onion tomatoes, I have added green peas and bell peppers (mix of red, green, and orange, but use any color you like). You can use other veggies, too (see recipe tips below for some ideas).
Cheese: You can use parmesan cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, or grated Pecorino Romano. It makes the sauce creamy and provides a salty, umami flavor.
Heavy Cream: I use heavy whipping cream to make a luscious, creamy cajun sauce. You can also use half and half or cashew cream to keep it vegan.
Olive oil: I have used olive oil to make this pasta recipe. You can use butter for a rich flavor.
Please refer to the recipe card for exact measurements of ingredients.
How to Make Vegetarian Cajun Pasta (Stepwise Photos)
Cook the Pasta
1 – Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2 – Add a 1-2 teaspoon of salt to it.
3 – Add penne pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions (usually 9–12 minutes) until al dente.
4 – Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Reserve some pasta water (for later for the sauce in case needed).
While the pasta cooks, make the creamy Cajun sauce.
Make Vegetarian Cajun Pasta
5 – Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until onion begins to soften.
6 – Add garlic, green peas, and sauté for 2 minutes or until the raw garlic smell disappears.
7 – Turn heat to medium-low and stir in the spices and tomato paste. Mix well and cook for a minute. Deglaze with ¼ cup water (or pasta water).
8 – Add cream and mix until everything is well combined.
9 – Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add cheese and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens, forming a creamy Cajun pasta sauce. Taste test the sauce and add salt as needed.
10 and 11 – Then add the tomatoes and cooked pasta. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
12 – Creamy Vegetarian Cajun Pasta is ready to be served!
Garnish with parmesan cheese, more chili flakes (optional), dried or fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Cajun Seasoning Mix Recipe
If you can’t find the cajun spice mix where you live, here is my homemade version of the cajun seasoning recipe. It’s easy to make and a versatile spice blend mix to add to your pasta, vegetables, and proteins for that smoky, spicy flavor.
I prefer to make my cajun spice mix since most store-bought Cajun seasonings are heavy on salt. Making my spice mix at home allows me to control the salt level and adjust the spice to suit my taste!
To make it, combine all the spices in a small bowl until they are well combined. Then, store in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place. Feel free to skip salt if you are watching your salt intake. This recipe makes slightly more than ⅓ cup.
- 3 teaspoons of Paprika
- 2 teaspoons of Oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons of Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon of Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon of Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoons of White pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper or Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon of Thyme
- 2 teaspoons of Salt
Serving Suggestions
You can serve creamy Vegetarian Cajun pasta on its own or with a side of choice. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that is so delicious!
I like adding a salad like my Vegetarian Caesar salad or some bread like Cheesy garlic bread for that restaurant-style dining experience at home.
Storage Instructions
This vegetarian Cajun pasta is best enjoyed freshly made. However, if you have any leftover pasta, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Before serving, reheat in the microwave or a pan on the stovetop until thoroughly heated through. Add a splash of vegetable broth, milk, or water to restore the creamy consistency.
Recipe Tips
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce better and keeps its texture.
Adjust spice level: Add more cajun seasoning, paprika, or chili flakes, or reduce it to make it less spicy.
Add salt if needed: Most store-bought cajun seasonings are heavy on salt, so depending on which one you are using, taste the sauce first and add salt only if needed.
Make it Creamy (Or Not): Add heavy cream or half and half to make this pasta creamy. If you don’t prefer it to be creamy, you can skip the cream, too. The cajun pasta is delicious even without cream, but the cream helps balance the heat.
Sauce consistency: Add more cream (about half a cup) if you prefer a saucy consistency. Add more parmesan cheese if you prefer a thicker cajun pasta sauce. Just note that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Customize Veggies: This recipe can be customized with additional vegetables for a more heartier, nutritious, and vibrant dish. Add spinach, kale, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms such as oysters, cremini, buttons, or shiitake.
Add Protein: Add tofu, canned chickpeas, vegan sausage, or edamame to this recipe to keep it vegetarian. Or you can also go for more traditional pairings like Chicken and shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! To make vegan cajun pasta, use plant-based cream, dairy-free cheese, and your favorite vegan protein, like tofu, chickpeas, vegan sausage, or vegan chicken.
It has a mild to moderate spice level, depending on the Cajun seasoning. Adjust the spice by adding or reducing cajun seasoning or red chili flakes.
Yes, you can make Cajun pasta in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just note that pasta will likely absorb the sauce as it sits, so reheat with a splash of liquid (milk, water, or broth) to maintain the creamy texture.
Absolutely! Add tofu, chickpeas, vegan sausage, or grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
More Vegetarian Pasta Recipes
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Recipe Card
Vegetarian Cajun Pasta
Vegetarian Cajun Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish made with pasta and fresh veggies in a rich, velvety sauce flavored with Cajun spices. It is spicy, delicious, and easy to make in 30 minutes. This creamy Cajun pasta recipe with homemade Cajun seasoning makes a comforting meal, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Instructions
Bring a pot of water to a boil (I add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water), then cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. When it’s done cooking, drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until onion begins to soften.
Add garlic, green peas, and sauté again for 2 minutes or until the raw garlic smell disappears.
Turn heat to medium-low and stir in the spices and tomato paste. Mix well and cook for a minute. Deglaze with ¼ cup water (or pasta water) (if needed).
Add cream and mix until everything is well combined. Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
Add cheese and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens, forming a creamy Cajun pasta sauce.
Then add the tomatoes and cooked pasta. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust any seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat. Creamy Vegetarian Cajun Pasta is ready to serve!
Serve Cajun pasta garnished with more parmesan cheese and parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 376mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2705IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 2mg
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