Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress! This Dairy-Free, Pescatarian Cajun Pasta is not just another meal; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant tastes of Louisiana right to your kitchen. With succulent shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, this dish is both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a busy professional or a home chef looking to impress, this recipe will have you savoring every bite in just 30 minutes. Dive into this delightful recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice the bell pepper and onion, mince the garlic, and ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir to evenly coat, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromatic flavors.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- In the same skillet, pour vegetable broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor.
- Cook pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Return shrimp to the skillet with the broth, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together to combine and heat through.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thin, allow it to reduce for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for your favorite pasta type—whether it’s gluten-free, whole wheat, or traditional. Just ensure it complements the Cajun flavors well!
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allow the onions and bell peppers to soften properly before adding the garlic. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of your dish.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Keep an eye on your shrimp as they cook; overcooking can make them rubbery. They should turn pink and opaque—just a few minutes on each side will do!
- Customize the Heat: If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños along with the Cajun seasoning to elevate the heat level.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the dish with freshness.
- Make It a Meal: Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious broth for a complete dining experience.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days for an easy lunch or dinner option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
