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
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.
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.
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.
Cook the Pasta
Boil Fiber Gourmet Light Penne to al dente.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
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.
Finish and Serve
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta.
Top with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately.