Go Back

The Best Cajun Pasta Recipe-7 Ways

A creamy, delicious, and nutritious Cajun Pasta recipe that will be a crowd favorite no matter where you take it. This recipe is so versatile, you can make it with smoked sausage, chicken, shrimp, or any combination of the 3 (totaling 7 different ways to enjoy this Cajun Pasta).
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 tbsp butter
  • 5 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese you can sub mozzarella if you want it less spicy
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese to top it with
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
  • 1.5-3 tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 10-12 servings penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 lb total meat (smoked sausage links, shrimp, chicken, or any combo)
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced optional
  • fresh parsley, chopped optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°
  2. If using sausage, slice into thin slices and brown in a skillet over medium heat.
    If using shrimp, season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook in a skillet over medium heat until pink (do not over cook).
    If using chicken, season chicken with Cajun seasoning and sear in a skillet over medium high heat until internal temperature reaches 165°.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain
  4. In a sauce pan, melt butter on medium-low heat
  5. Whisk in the flour and continue to whisk to form a roux
  6. Slowly add heavy cream while whisking until it starts to thicken
  7. While continuing to whish, slowly add the milk and continue whisking while it starts to bubble
  8. Add Cajun seasoning and whisk
  9. Add the cream cheese and stir or whisk until it is completely incorporated
  10. Stir in shredded parmesan and pepperjack (or mozzarella) cheese until melted
  11. Stir in diced tomatoes and green chiles
  12. Mix together pasta, sauce, and meat
  13. Add it all to a large baking dish (if you have something slightly bigger than a 9x13, that will work best)
  14. Top with remaining cup of mozzarella cheese
  15. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly
  16. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and enjoy!

Notes

Don't be afraid to throw a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach in the sauce! It's such an easy way to sneak some extra greens in.