Cajun Pasta

470 cal | 42 g protein | 32 g carbs | 21 g fat

Semi-healthy

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Even this toned-down semi-healthy version is still extremely potent with explosive flavors. That can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your tastes. Eater discretion advised.

Serves: 4-5 | Cook Time: ~40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (your choice)

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut bite-sized

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 4 andouille or smoked sausages, sliced

  • 1 red onion, sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 10 oz bag fresh spinach

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (or paste)

  • 1 tbsp chipotle paste or tomato paste

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 8 oz Fiber Gourmet Light Penne (or 16 oz for higher pasta ratio)

  • Parsley and lemon wedge for finishing

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear Proteins

    • Toss chicken and shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.

    • Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

    • Sear chicken until golden, about 5 minutes; remove.

    • Cook shrimp until cooked through; remove.

    • Brown sausage slices; set all proteins aside.

  2. Cook Vegetables

    • In the same pan, sauté onion and peppers for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly charred.

    • Add spinach and cook 1 minute until just wilted. Remove and set aside.

  3. Build the Sauce

    • In the same pan, melt ½ tbsp butter if needed.

    • Add garlic and chipotle paste; cook about 1 minute until fragrant.

    • Pour in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

    • Stir in Parmesan and Worcestershire until smooth.

    • Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper or Cajun mix if needed.

  4. Cook the Pasta

  5. Combine Everything

    • Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, and vegetables back to the sauce.

    • Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water.

    • Toss everything until evenly coated and glossy.

  6. Finish and Serve

    • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta.

    • Top with parsley and extra Parmesan.

    • Serve immediately.

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