Description
Cavatappi pasta with creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, cooked chicken or tofu, and sharp cheddar cheese — a Southern-inspired comfort dish with bold flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
12 oz cavatappi pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup diced onion
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar
½ lb cooked chicken or tofu
Instructions
1. Boil cavatappi pasta in salted water (4:1 ratio of water to pasta). Stir once to avoid clumping.
2. In a large pan, sauté olive oil and onions for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add your protein and Cajun seasoning; stir until golden brown and fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring as it thickens — about 5 minutes.
5. Lower heat and fold in cheese until smooth.
6. Drain pasta and toss into the sauce. Mix to coat every curve.
7. Serve hot or top with panko and broil briefly for a baked twist.
Notes
Try gouda or pepper jack cheese for a flavor boost.
Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Great with shrimp or mushrooms as alternate proteins.
Top with green onions or breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Cavatappi, Cajun Pasta, Cheesy Pasta, Southern Recipe