Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta (Printable Version)

Tender protein and fettuccine meld in a velvety, spicy cream sauce enhanced by Parmesan and parsley.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Pasta

01 - 225 grams fettuccine pasta

→ Proteins

02 - 450 grams chicken breast or shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 - 1 small onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings and Spices

05 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs)
06 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Dairy and Fats

07 - 15 grams butter
08 - 15 milliliters olive oil
09 - 240 milliliters heavy cream
10 - 50 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnishes

11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 60 milliliters of pasta water.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add your choice of protein and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Cook until chicken is fully cooked through or shrimp is opaque and curled.
03 - Pour in the heavy cream and stir in additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky consistency.
04 - Toss the cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the sauce, coating all strands evenly. Cook together for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors thoroughly.
05 - Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for freshness and color. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a smoother texture.