Cajun Pasta with Veggies: A Spicy, Colorful Weeknight Favorite

A one-pan dinner marrying vibrant vegetables with a creamy, spice-kissed sauce.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 12, 2025

A one-pan dinner marrying vibrant vegetables with a creamy, spice-kissed sauce.

This vibrant Cajun pasta with veggies is a celebration of color, texture, and bold flavor. Inspired by classic Southern Cajun dishes, this recipe showcases a rainbow of fresh vegetables tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that clings to all your favorite noodles. Unlike many traditional Cajun pasta recipes, this version is entirely vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleasing option for meatless nights—though it’s endlessly customizable, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Pasta

Big Flavor: The star of this dish is Cajun seasoning—an aromatic blend of spices that brings smoky heat and depth.
Fresh and Colorful: Bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and scallions create a visually appealing and nutritious medley.
Creamy Comfort: A touch of heavy cream and a splash of wine enrich the sauce, coating every bite in silky luxury.
Easy Weeknight Dinner: This one-pan meal comes together in less than an hour and is perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile: Add your favorite proteins, play with the vegetable selection, or turn up the heat to suit your taste.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

This dish balances pantry staples with farmers’ market freshness. Here are the essential components:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Pasta	12 oz.	Penne, fettuccine, linguine—or any sturdy pasta
Olive Oil	3 tbsp	Divided, for sautéing
Butter	3 tbsp	Divided, adds richness
Bell Peppers	2 large	Mixed colors, sliced
Garlic	2 cloves	Minced or finely chopped
Cajun Seasoning	~5 tsp	Divided; adjust to taste for spice level
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes	2 cups	Halved, adds sweetness
Mushrooms	8 oz.	Crew, button, or baby bella, sliced
Vegetable Broth	1 cup	For deglazing and flavor
Dry White Wine	1/2 cup	Adds acidity and depth
Heavy Cream	3/4 cup	Makes the sauce luxurious
Scallions	2-3	Thinly sliced, for garnish
Salt and Black Pepper	To taste	Balance all flavors and spice

How to Make Cajun Pasta with Veggies

Bringing this mouthwatering dish to your table is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente (tender but with a bit of bite). Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Peppers
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and sprinkle with minced garlic and about 1½ teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Let them sit undisturbed so the edges blacken slightly—this adds a signature smoky flavor. Stir gently, then cook for about a minute.
Add Tomatoes
Add halved cherry tomatoes and another heaping teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for just 30 seconds—the goal is to slightly wilt the tomatoes and amplify their sweetness. Remove the sautéed vegetables to a plate and set aside.
Related: Spicy Mexican Shrimp Pasta: Vibrant Flavors Meet Comforting Classics
Cook the Mushrooms
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the remaining olive oil and butter, then toss in the mushrooms. Sprinkle with another 1½ teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Sauté, stirring, until they start to soften and darken, about 2 minutes.
Build the Sauce
Pour in the vegetable broth and dry white wine. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let boil for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and enrich the base. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Taste the sauce—add the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, or more heat as desired. The sauce should have a bold kick!
Combine and Finish
Return the bell pepper and tomato mixture to the skillet, including any juices collected on the plate. Stir to warm through and let flavors meld for 1–2 minutes, until bubbly. Add the cooked pasta and sliced scallions, then toss everything to coat well. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Tips for the Best Cajun Pasta

Control the Spice: Cajun seasoning is key, but brands vary in heat intensity. Add gradually and taste as you go.
Sear, Don’t Overcrowd: Searing peppers and mushrooms in a hot skillet builds smoky flavor—avoid crowding for best results.
Deglaze with Wine: Wine lifts browned bits from the pan, infusing savory complexity. If you prefer, you can use more broth instead.
Make It Creamier: For ultra-rich sauce, add a splash more cream or finish with a handful of grated Parmesan.
Customize: Try zucchini, yellow squash, spinach, or even roasted corn for variation. For non-vegetarians, shrimp, chicken, or sausage are tasty additions.

What is Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a vibrant, spicy blend rooted in Louisiana’s culinary traditions. It typically contains paprika, garlic and onion powder, cayenne, dried herbs like oregano and thyme, and black pepper. Its balanced heat, smokiness, and herbal notes define Cajun cuisine and bring tons of character to this pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Finish with Freshness: Top with more sliced scallions, chopped parsley, or freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.
Pairings: Serve alongside crusty French bread or garlic toast and a crisp green salad to offset the richness and heat.
Extras: A squeeze of lemon or a few dashes of hot sauce can brighten and amp up the flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

This pasta is best freshly cooked, but leftovers reheat beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silkiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this Cajun pasta dish vegan?

A: Absolutely! Swap the butter for more olive oil, use a plant-based cream (such as oat or cashew cream), and ensure your pasta and wine are vegan-friendly. The texture and flavor will still be deliciously creamy and spicy.

Q: Which Cajun seasoning is best?

A: There are many excellent brands, such as Tony Chachere’s, Slap Ya Mama, and homemade blends. Start with a modest amount, then adjust for your preferred heat and saltiness.

Q: What protein could I add?

A: For extra protein, add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or sliced smoked sausage during the final toss in the sauce. For vegetarian protein, consider chickpeas or pan-seared tofu.

Q: Can I prepare Cajun pasta ahead of time?

A: You can prep the vegetables and seasoning mix up to 2 days in advance. However, for best texture and flavor, cook the pasta and sauce just before serving.

Q: Is it gluten-free?

A: Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun spice isn’t processed with gluten-containing ingredients.

Nutrition Highlights

Vegetable-Packed: Full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from a colorful mix of veggies.
Adjustable Creaminess: The richness can be lightened by swapping in half-and-half or evaporated milk for cream.
Plant-Forward: Satisfying even without meat and easily adapted for various diets.

Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ons

Peppers: Try poblanos or Anaheim chiles for a different flavor spin.
Mushrooms: Portobello or shiitake lend a meatier texture.
Cream: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version with subtle sweetness.
Pasta: Rigatoni, fusilli, or bucatini all work well to catch plenty of sauce.

Step-by-Step Recap

Boil pasta until al dente and drain.
Sear bell peppers with garlic and Cajun seasoning until edges char.
Add cherry tomatoes; briefly cook for sweetness.
Sauté mushrooms in remaining oil, butter, and seasoning until softened.
Deglaze skillet with broth and wine; reduce, then add cream and cook until thickened.
Combine all veggies, toss in the cooked pasta and scallions, and season to perfection.

Customize Your Cajun Pasta with Veggies

Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients and color.
Roasted Veggies: For a different texture, roast peppers and mushrooms separately before adding to the final toss.
Cheese Lovers: Top with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or a bit of sharp white cheddar for tang and creaminess.

Pro Tips for Entertaining

Double the Recipe: This dish is a crowd-pleaser and can easily be multiplied—just use a large pot.
Serve in the Skillet: For rustic charm, serve straight from your cast iron pan, scattered with fresh herbs.
Make it a Meal: Pair with corn bread, collard greens, or a tangy bean salad for a full Cajun-inspired feast.

Conclusion: The Irresistible Appeal of Cajun Pasta with Veggies

The inviting richness, vibrant vegetables, and fiery Cajun spices of this pasta create a weeknight meal with irresistible appeal. Whether you’re a Cajun cuisine devotee or simply searching for a new vegetarian favorite, this dish will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Ready your ingredients, crank up the skillet, and bring some Southern heat to the dinner table tonight!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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