Creamy Cajun-spiced pasta with roasted bell peppers, smoked paprika, and a rich sauce. Ready in 40 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
10 - ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
11 - ¼ cup vegetable broth
12 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese to serve
# Directions:
01 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors and aromas.
04 - Add roasted bell pepper slices to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
06 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed if the sauce becomes too thick.
07 - Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Heat gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
08 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
