Introduction

Seared chicken, shrimp, and a medley of flavorful spices make for a delightful Cajun seasoning pasta. This unique twist on traditional jambalaya using pasta as a base instead of rice offers a rich, complex taste that is sure to impress. Despite the difficulty I had with the conventional jambalaya, my love for Cajun flavors has led me to explore this exciting variation. To help you create the perfect Cajun seasoning pasta, I have detailed the steps and provided three distinct methods to seamlessly incorporate these spices into your dish.

Method 1: Searing the Proteins

The first step in preparing your Cajun seasoning pasta is to coat your chosen proteins (chicken, shrimp, etc.) with a generous amount of cajun spice. Sear these ingredients in a pan with a light oil and ensure they cook to a halfway point without burning. Once the proteins are halfway cooked, add an enhancement of flavor and texture by incorporating a creamy base and several spices. Here’s how you can do it:

Ingredients:

Mixed proteins (chicken, shrimp, etc.) Cajun seasoning Light oil (for searing) 1 cup of cream 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano or basil 1/4 teaspoon of salt 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder

Steps:

Caress the proteins with Cajun seasoning and sear them in a pan with light oil until they reach a halfway point in doneness. Reduce the cream and ensure the proteins are fully cooked. Toss in pre-cooked pasta (linguine is a great choice) and toss to coat the pasta in the rich sauce. Plate the dish and top it with fresh parmesan and chopped parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Method 2: Spiced Pasta Dough

A unique and creative approach to adding Cajun seasoning to pasta is by incorporating the seasoning directly into the pasta dough itself. If making your pasta from scratch, you can do this by adding the seasonings either while using a dough hook or during the kneading process, ensuring the spices are fully incorporated into the pasta dough. This method will add the flavor internally, making each bite of pasta deliciously satisfying:

Ingredients:

Pasta dough (use any type of pasta) Cajun seasoning Water or egg (as needed for pasta dough)

Steps:

Mix the cajun seasoning into your pasta dough, kneading well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Knead the dough and let it rest as per your recipe instructions. Roll out the pasta and cook it in a boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, toss it with a prepared sauce, and serve with your favorite toppings.

Method 3: Spiced Cream Sauce

For a milder and creamy version of Cajun seasoning pasta, make a basic cream sauce and add spices to it. This method allows for a smooth and consistent distribution of flavors throughout the pasta. Here’s how to make a basic cream sauce and add the right seasoning:

Ingredients:

Heavy cream Brown butter or white wine sauce base (as per preference) Cajun seasoning Salt to taste Garlic powder

Steps:

Prepare a basic cream sauce using heavy cream and a brown butter or white wine base. Stir in spices such as cayenne, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Add cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is well coated with the spiced sauce. Decorate the pasta with parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to sear your proteins, mix spices into your pasta dough, or create a spiced cream sauce, the possibilities for creating a perfect Cajun seasoning pasta are endless. Each method offers a unique flavor profile and texture, allowing you to cater to your personal taste preferences. Embrace the bold and rich flavors of Cajun cuisine and let this exciting twist on classic pasta dishes add a new dimension to your culinary repertoire.