Creamy Cajun Delight Recipe
Creamy Cajun Delight is a rich and flavorful dish that combines bold Cajun spices with a smooth, creamy sauce. This dish is packed with smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, featuring tender protein (chicken, shrimp, or sausage), fresh vegetables, and a luscious sauce over pasta or rice. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a bit of Southern flair!
Ingredients:
For the Protein & Base:
2 chicken breasts, sliced (or 200g shrimp, or smoked sausage like andouille)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds depth to the sauce)
For Serving:
250g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice) or cooked rice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for a fresh citrus kick)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Protein:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
Season chicken (or shrimp/sausage) with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 5-7 minutes (for chicken or sausage) or 2-3 minutes per side (for shrimp) until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Saute the Vegetables:
In the same pan, take oil
Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic, paprika, cayenne (if using), oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any bits from the pan.
Lower heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Stir well until smooth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked protein to the pan, stirring to coat in the sauce.
If serving with pasta, add cooked pasta directly into the sauce. If serving with rice, plate the rice and spoon the sauce over it.
5. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a citrusy balance.
Optional: Add extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning on top.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 550-650
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 50g (with pasta) or 40g (with rice)
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 800mg (varies with Cajun seasoning & Parmesan)
Sugar: 4g
Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes
Notes & Variations:
Make it Spicier: Increase the cayenne pepper or use extra Cajun seasoning for a more intense heat.
Protein Options: This recipe works great with shrimp, chicken, sausage, or even a combination of all three.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the protein for mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu, and use vegetable broth.
Extra Creaminess: Stir in a small amount of cream cheese or an extra handful of Parmesan for a richer sauce.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creamish Cajun.
This Creamy Cajun Delight is a crowd-pleaser that brings the best of bold, comforting flavors together. Perfect for a cozy dinner with a kick!