There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy pasta dish, especially when it’s spiced up with vibrant Cajun flavors. This creamy Cajun vegan chicken pasta is a perfect blend of rich, savory, and spicy elements that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty meal. The creamy sauce envelops the pasta in a luscious coating, while the vegan chicken adds a satisfying protein punch. With the addition of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing and nourishing. This recipe serves two, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner with a loved one or a delightful meal prep option.
Ingredients:
- 150g Rigatoni Pasta: Rigatoni is a tube-shaped pasta that is ideal for capturing and holding onto creamy sauces, making it a great choice for this recipe. Its ridged surface and hollow center help the sauce cling to every bite.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and depth of flavor. It’s essential for sautéing and helps in cooking the vegan chicken and vegetables.
- 4 Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the dish. It’s used both in cooking the vegan chicken and in the sauce to infuse the pasta with its distinctive taste.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper: The red bell pepper adds a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a pop of color. It also provides a nice contrast in texture to the creamy sauce.
- Large Handful of Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity, which balances out the richness of the creamy sauce. They also add freshness and a vibrant red hue to the dish.
- 2 tbsp Tomato Puree: Tomato puree adds depth and richness to the sauce, giving it a thicker consistency and a more pronounced tomato flavor.
- 150ml Soy Cream: Soy cream is used to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce. It has a smooth texture and neutral flavor that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Large Handful of Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note to the dish. It’s used both in the sauce and as a garnish to enhance the overall flavor and presentation.
Method:
- Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs:
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables and herbs. Dice the garlic cloves finely to ensure their flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish. Chop the red bell pepper into small pieces, which will be sautéed with the garlic to create a flavorful base for the sauce. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half to allow their juices to mingle with the other ingredients. Finally, chop a large handful of fresh parsley, which will be used to add freshness to the dish both in the sauce and as a garnish. - Cook the Vegan Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the vegan chicken breasts. Along with the chicken, add 2 of the chopped garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. The seasoning will infuse the chicken with a spicy kick and aromatic flavor. Cook the vegan chicken according to the package instructions, which typically takes around 12 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In a separate cast iron casserole dish, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the remaining chopped garlic cloves and cook for a minute until they become fragrant. Add the chopped red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes to the dish. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices. The garlic and vegetables will create a flavorful base for the sauce. - Prepare the Sauce:
Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and tomato puree to the vegetables in the casserole dish. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for an additional 2 minutes. The tomato puree will thicken the sauce and give it a rich, deep flavor. Pour in the soy cream, stirring continuously to blend the cream with the tomato mixture. Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together while you finish preparing the pasta and vegan chicken. - Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the sauce in the casserole dish. This helps to loosen the sauce and allows it to better coat the pasta. Stir well to combine the pasta water with the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the casserole dish and mix thoroughly to ensure that each piece of pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. - Add Fresh Herbs:
Stir in a large handful of chopped fresh parsley into the pasta and sauce mixture. The parsley adds a fresh, herbal flavor that brightens up the rich sauce. Mix everything together until the parsley is evenly distributed throughout the dish. - Serve and Garnish:
Divide the creamy Cajun pasta between two Verona pasta bowls or serving dishes. Slice the cooked vegan chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and place them on top of the pasta. Garnish with any remaining chopped parsley for an extra burst of freshness and color.
Nutritional Information :
This creamy Cajun vegan chicken pasta is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal. It offers a good source of plant-based protein from the vegan chicken, along with essential nutrients from the vegetables and herbs. The soy cream provides a dairy-free alternative that contributes to the creamy texture without the cholesterol found in animal-based creams. The dish is relatively high in calories, making it a hearty choice for a main meal. It can be easily customized to fit various dietary needs by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or using different types of vegan chicken. Enjoy this nutritious and satisfying dish as part of a balanced diet.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Cajun vegan chicken pasta! This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner or a special meal to impress your guests. The combination of spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy soy sauce, and flavorful vegan chicken creates a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. Bon appétit!
Creamy Cajun Vegan Chicken Pasta
This creamy Cajun vegan chicken pasta combines rigatoni with a rich, spiced sauce made from soy cream, Cajun seasoning, and fresh vegetables. Vegan chicken adds a hearty touch, making it a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect for a satisfying meal for two.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 2 Cast iron grill pan
- 3 Cast iron casserole dish
- 4 Cast iron casserole dish
Ingredients
- – 150g rigatoni pasta
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – 2 vegan chicken breasts
- – 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- – 4 garlic cloves
- – 1 red bell pepper
- – Large handful of cherry tomatoes
- – 2 tbsp tomato puree
- – 150ml soy cream
- – Large handful of fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:*Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare Vegetables and Herbs:Dice the garlic cloves, chop the red bell pepper and parsley, and slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegan Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron grill pan over medium heat. Add the vegan chicken breasts, 2 chopped garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Cook according to the package instructions, about 12 minutes. Once cooked, remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron casserole dish over medium-low heat. Add the remaining garlic cloves, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for a few minutes until softened. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and tomato puree, mixing well.
- Prepare the Sauce:Pour in the soy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce, then add the drained pasta. Mix well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in a large handful of chopped parsley.
- Serve:Divide the pasta between two bowls. Top with sliced vegan chicken and garnish with additional parsley.
nice 🙂