Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that's as vibrant as it is satisfying! Our One Pot Vegan Cajun Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it's a flavorful journey through the heart of Cajun cuisine. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, zesty pasta that’s packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you're a busy professional or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a delicious, plant-based meal that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing onion, mincing garlic, and chopping red bell pepper. Measure out Cajun seasoning and have vegetable broth and canned tomatoes ready.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or one-pot pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromatic flavors for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the liquid. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the pan and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check pasta for doneness. If liquid hasn't been fully absorbed, continue cooking uncovered until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more vegetable broth.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to further thicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and measure out your spices before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños along with the Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and bell pepper before adding the liquids helps to enhance their flavors, giving your dish a deeper taste.
- Stir Occasionally: As the pasta cooks, give it a stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning according to your preference.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the flavors of the dish. Don’t skip this final touch!
- Leftovers Love: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of vegetable broth to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
