Name: Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 pound chicken breast or shrimp; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); 1 red bell pepper; 1 yellow bell pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving something bold, cheesy, and bursting with Southern flair, you’ll want to keep Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ on your regular dinner rotation. This dish is everything good about Louisiana cooking—spicy, creamy, and loaded with vibrant peppers—with a dreamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Whether you’re choosing shrimp, chicken, or both, Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ is all about big flavors and an even bigger personality. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that feels like a party on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the long name fool you—Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ is straightforward to make, using essential pantry and fresh ingredients to create layers of flavor. Each element here plays a special role, coming together in a sassy, creamy sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread!

Pasta (12 oz penne or fettuccine): Pick your favorite—you need a sturdy noodle to absorb that luscious sauce.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Gives a beautiful base and helps sear the protein just right.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness, making everything silkier and more flavorful.
Chicken breast or shrimp (1 pound, sliced/peeled): The star protein—choose one or both for a surf-and-turf twist.
Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon + for taste): Where the kick and the magic happen. Use a blend you love!
Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings sweetness and gorgeous color.
Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a sunny note and balances the spicy depth.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fragrance and flavor in every bite—don’t skip it!
Heavy cream (1 cup): The foundation for that dreamy Cajun sauce.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Brightens the sauce and smooths out the richness.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty depth and melts like a dream.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential to tune the flavor to perfection.
Chopped parsley & extra Parmesan (optional): Classic finishing touches for flavor and Instagram-worthy looks.

How to Make Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’

Step 1: Get the Pasta Rolling

Before you dive into the spicy-saucy goodness, start by cooking your penne or fettuccine according to the package instructions, just until al dente. The goal? Pasta that holds up in the sauce without getting mushy. Give it a good drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of that pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Protein

Next, let’s give your chosen protein the attention it deserves. Lay out the chicken breast slices or peeled shrimp and sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high—that’s your ticket to a golden sear and extra flavor. Add your chicken for 5–6 minutes until cooked through, or shrimp for just 2–3 minutes per side. Once your protein is beautifully browned, set it aside. (Your kitchen is already smelling like Mardi Gras!)

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers & Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in your strips of red and yellow bell pepper. Sauté these beauties for 3–4 minutes until they’re softened but still bright. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds—just enough to get everyone swooning over that aroma. You want those veggies tender, but with a little bite to stand up in your Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’.

Step 4: Craft the Cajun Cream Sauce

Now, it’s time to work on that creamy magic. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld together. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and keep simmering for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if you like it extra bold—Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ is all about making it your own!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Toss the cooked pasta right into the skillet with your sauce, turning and folding until every piece is totally coated. Return the cooked protein to join the party, then give everything a good stir to combine those spicy, creamy, hearty, and colorful elements. If things get too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it up perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, shower your Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ with plenty of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan (if you’re feeling fancy). Now, grab a fork—dinner’s ready and it’s going to steal the show!

How to Serve Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley gives a burst of color and herby flavor, while an extra shower of Parmesan cheese deepens the creamy vibes. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top will make your Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ extra sassy. Don’t underestimate a twist of black pepper for that final flourish!

Side Dishes

Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ plays well with crusty bread—think garlic toast or a chewy baguette, perfect for soaking up the sauce. Pair with a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette to refresh the palate, or go classic with roasted or grilled veggies if you want even more color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ in a big family-style bowl, letting everyone dig in. Or, try plating it in individual pasta bowls atop a swirl of sauce, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for dinner party flair. Hosting a crowd? Serve in mini ramekins or on tasting spoons for a fun appetizer take—there are no rules for this showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’, lucky you! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Flavors deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch.

Freezing

Want to stash some for later? Let Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ cool completely before packing into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months; just be aware the cream sauce may separate slightly on thawing, but a gentle reheat (with a splash more cream or broth) will bring it back together.

Reheating

To revive refrigerated or thawed Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often, just until hot. Avoid boiling—it keeps the sauce smooth and the proteins tender.

FAQs

Can I make Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and either omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You’ll still end up with a rich, satisfying sauce that’s totally in the spirit of Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’!

What are some good vegetable substitutions?

Mushrooms, zucchini, or sautéed spinach work marvelously if you want to pack in more veggies or keep Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ vegetarian. Even cherry tomatoes or asparagus can be delicious additions—just cook until tender.

How spicy is the final dish?

The spice level all depends on your Cajun seasoning and any extra pepper you add. Start mild then spice to taste as you go. If you like it fiery, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes as well.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Of course! Penne and fettuccine are classic for soaking up sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or linguine all work. Choose something sturdy—Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ is all about FULL flavor with every bite.

Can I prep anything in advance?

Yes! You can slice your peppers, mince the garlic, and even season your protein ahead of time. This way, everything is prepped and ready for a super quick weeknight Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a flavor-packed pasta that brings a little party to your table, Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ is the answer. This dish is guaranteed to wow your friends, satisfy your cravings, and make every bite pop with Southern soul. Give it a whirl—you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite worth sharing!

Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’ Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cajun Pasta recipe is bursting with flavors of the South. Creamy and spicy, this dish combines tender chicken or shrimp with colorful bell peppers in a Cajun-seasoned cream sauce, all tossed with pasta and topped with Parmesan. A satisfying meal that’s easy to make!