Creamy Cajun Pasta with Savory Plant-Based Chicken
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with this creamy Cajun pasta dish featuring savory plant-based chicken. Created to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, this recipe transforms vegetarian meat into a mouthwatering main course that even the most devoted carnivores won't be able to resist. The balance of rich, creamy sauce with zesty Cajun seasoning, complemented by the texture of campanelle pasta and sun-dried tomatoes, makes for a dish that is comforting yet exciting. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it's guaranteed to become a family favorite. After giving this recipe a try, you'll find yourself making it again and again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetarian Chicken Strips
12 ounces (Thawed and cut into thirds)
Campanelle Pasta
8 ounces (Cooked al dente (your favorite pasta will work))
Cajun Seasoning
4 teaspoons (As per the provided spice mix recipe)
Butter
1-2 tablespoons (Melted)
Green Onions
3 (Thinly sliced)
Heavy Whipping Cream
1-2 cups (Use one cup heavy cream and one cup milk for preference)
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
4 tablespoons (Chopped)
Kosher Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (For tossing in pasta)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (Hungarian Hot Paprika recommended)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For extra heat)
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon (For balance)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the Cajun seasoning. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the listed spices for the perfect blend.
2
Take the thawed plant-based chicken strips and spray lightly with cooking spray. Toss them in the Cajun seasoning bowl to ensure they are well coated.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the seasoned plant-based chicken strips and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
4
Lower the heat and stir in the thinly sliced green onions, heavy cream (or milk), and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Season with dried basil, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and any additional spices for an extra kick.
5
Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
6
Meanwhile, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
7
Once the sauce reaches the desired thickness, remove it from heat and combine it with the hot pasta. Toss in grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cajun Pasta with Savory Plant-Based Chicken?
This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors featuring a rich, creamy sauce, zesty Cajun seasoning, campanelle pasta, and savory plant-based chicken strips.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a vegetarian main course using plant-based chicken strips.
What kind of plant-based chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of vegetarian chicken strips, thawed and cut into thirds.
Which pasta shape is recommended for this dish?
Campanelle pasta is recommended, though you can use any of your favorite pasta shapes.
How do I prepare the Cajun seasoning?
In a medium-sized bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
Is the Creamy Cajun Pasta spicy?
The dish has a zesty kick from the Cajun seasoning and Hungarian Hot Paprika, but the heavy cream helps balance the heat.
Can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
Yes. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer. If it becomes too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
What kind of cream should I use?
You can use 1-2 cups of heavy whipping cream, or a combination of one cup heavy cream and one cup milk.
How long does it take to cook the plant-based chicken?
After tossing the strips in seasoning, sauté them in melted butter for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
When should I add the sun-dried tomatoes?
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet along with the heavy cream and green onions after the chicken is heated.
What type of paprika is best for this recipe?
Hungarian Hot Paprika is specifically recommended for this dish to provide the best flavor profile.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) of sugar is included to help balance the savory and spicy flavors.
What cheese is used in this pasta?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, which is tossed in at the end.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 18 total ingredients used to create this dish and its custom spice blend.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and is perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I ensure the seasoning sticks to the plant-based chicken?
Spray the thawed chicken strips lightly with cooking spray before tossing them in the bowl of Cajun seasoning.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme for the spice mix.
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Can I add more heat to the recipe?
Absolutely. You can add extra cayenne pepper or additional Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes thinly sliced green onions and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it was created to satisfy even the pickiest eaters and is a great family-friendly option.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe recommends using Kosher salt to taste.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While you cook the pasta separately, it is described as a one-pot style meal because the final components are combined in the large skillet.
How should I serve the Creamy Cajun Pasta?
It should be served immediately once the hot pasta is tossed with the sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Can I use butter substitutes?
Yes, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of your preferred butter alternative to sauté the chicken.
What does the cumin add to the recipe?
Ground cumin provides a warm, earthy depth to the homemade Cajun spice blend.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, with its rich cream sauce and hearty pasta, it is classified as a comfort food dish.
How do I prepare the green onions?
The recipe calls for 3 green onions to be thinly sliced before being stirred into the sauce.
Can I make this dish vegan?
While the recipe as written uses dairy (butter, cream, cheese), you can easily swap those for plant-based alternatives to make it vegan.
Does the recipe require garlic?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder is used in the seasoning to provide savory flavor.