Tag: Cajun Recipes

Spice Up Your Meal with Cajun Twist on Mac and Cheese

Looking to add a little kick to your mac and cheese? We’ve got just the recipe for you! This recipe for Cajun Macaroni and Cheese from LouisianaCookin takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level with the bold flavors of andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning, and a blend of creamy cheeses. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for those times when you want something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients for Cajun Mac and Cheese: 

Directions for Cajun Mac and Cheese: 

  1. Begin by heating up a large skillet over medium heat. Add your andouille sausage slices and let them sizzle until they’re lightly browned, which should take about 2 minutes. Once they’ve got that irresistible color, toss in your finely chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook this vibrant mix until the peppers turn tender and aromatic, about 6 minutes.
  2. It’s time to introduce some magic to the skillet. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and Cajun seasoning. Keep that spoon moving as you stir constantly for the next 2 minutes. This step is key to developing the rich, savory flavors that make Cajun cuisine so special.
  3. Gradually, like a Louisiana bayou filling with flavor, pour in the quart of whole milk. Stir occasionally, and watch as your mixture thickens and becomes beautifully bubbly. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and now comes the cheesy crescendo. Add the shredded American cheese and the mild Cheddar cheese. Keep stirring tirelessly until the cheeses melt into velvety perfection, creating a creamy symphony of flavor.
  4. Your pasta has been patiently waiting for its moment in the spotlight. Add the cooked and warm elbow pasta to the cheese sauce, gently stirring everything together. It’s a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Serving Suggestions:

Now that your Cajun Macaroni and Cheese is ready to shine, you might be wondering what to serve alongside this spicy sensation. Here are a few side dishes that will complement this dish beautifully:

  • Crispy Cajun Okra: Sliced okra coated in a Cajun-spiced cornmeal batter, deep-fried until golden and crunchy.
  • Zesty Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heat of the mac and cheese.
  • Southern Cornbread: A slice of buttery, slightly sweet cornbread is the perfect accompaniment.
  • Creole Salad: A colorful medley of tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, drizzled with a zesty Creole dressing.
  • Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sauteed green beans with a garlic butter sauce for a touch of green freshness.

Cajun Macaroni and Cheese is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary journey that marries the comforts of home with the vibrant spirit of Cajun cuisine. With its creamy, cheesy allure and that unmistakable Cajun kick, this recipe has the power to transform your mealtime into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re serving it as the star of your dinner table or sharing it at your next gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone craving for seconds. The flavors of andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning, and the rich, creamy cheese sauce blend together harmoniously, creating a taste sensation that transcends ordinary mac and cheese. So, don’t wait any longer; give this Cajun Macaroni and Cheese recipe a try and embark on a culinary adventure that will satisfy your cravings and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the bold and delicious world of Cajun cooking.

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Simple Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta

The classic shrimp fettuccine alfredo pasta is a recipe all chefs should hold in their back pocket. It can be whipped up in less than an hour with store-bought ingredients, or it can be meticulously perfected when making your sauce from scratch. Either way, this recipe from Closet Cooking is your best bet to make a restaurant-grade pasta dish from the comfort of your kitchen.

The benefits of preparing this meal from home coincide with the control you have over the spice levels of your pasta, depending on you and your guests’ preference. This recipe specifically adds a twist to the Italian classic by way of cajun or creole seasoning (think Tony Chachere’s) and the blackening approach to sautéing the shrimp.

Ingredients for Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo:

  • 8 ounces of fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 point of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan), grated
  • 1/2 tablespoon cajun seasoning or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon of salt
  • 1/4 cup green onion, sliced (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a medium-sized skillet or stovetop pan, melt your butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s completely melted and spread around the pan, you’ll dip your peeled and deveined shrimp into a small bowl of your cajun seasoning and then place them in the pan to brown. Cook the shrimp for at least 3 minutes on each side. Afterward, remove them from the pan, setting them aside.
  2. With a metal spoon or similar cooking utensil, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and add your chopped garlic, sautéing the garlic until it’s fragrant. The process should take approximately 30 seconds.
  3. While you’re sautéing the above ingredients, fill a large-sized pot with water and place it on a nearby burner. Sprinkle a ½ tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the water to keep the noodles from sticking. Bring this to a boil for approximately 8-13 minutes, removing the pasta once it’s “al dente” (tender, but firm).
  4. Poor in your dry white wine to deglaze the pan with the garlic. Then, add in your heavy cream, parmesan, and leftover cajun seasoning until it all begins to thicken up a bit, usually about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Once it’s a heftier thickness, toss your cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, getting the pasta covered. Then, add your shrimp, and combine it all.
  6. Then you’re done! Plate your cajun shrimp fettuccine alfredo, and garnish each with chopped green onions. Enjoy!

Notes:

  • Feel free to substitute the fettuccine pasta for a gluten-free alternative or another type of pasta, depending on your texture preference. Typically other types of long pasta such as spaghetti or vermicelli tend to work best at absorbing the sauce.
  • Of course, the fresher your Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan) and green onions are, the better. This is becausefreshly-grated parmesan cheese will melt more evenly and cleanly than a pre-shredded kind.
  • Ensure that you are cooking your creamy pasta sauce over low heat while never letting it come to a boil. This is to prevent the ingredients or excess oils from separating.
  • Each piece of shrimp should take no longer than 3-4 minutes to cook if using the uncooked kind from the store that has a greyish coloration.

All in all, this is a perfect dish to have at the ready for the upcoming warmer months, as it doesn’t require a lot of time spent over the hot stove, and it’s hearty enough for those with bigger, more-demanding appetites.

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Authentic Cajun Recipes with a Healthy Twist

Cajun food can easily be classified as one of the top foods in the world. Each dish is perfectly seasoned, flavorful, spicy, and hits the spot.  Authentic Cajun recipes can be hard to come by, especially if you don’t live in Cajun country. Luckily for you, Paleo Grubs put together a list of the best spicy and authentic Cajun recipes just for you!

Here are the top ten:

Crispy Cajun Chicken With Parsnip Puree

In this dish, the chicken is cooked with chicken fat which leaves it extra crispy and compact with Cajun seasonings, garlic, and coconut cream. Pair it with some mashed potatoes or swiss chard for a well rounded southern meal.

 Hearty Paleo Jambalaya

This paleo recipe packs in the best of Cajun flavors! It keeps the meat and veggies separate from the rice, and packs plenty of punch.

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya With Cauliflower Rice

What’s better than chicken and sausage jambalaya? You won’t even notice the cauliflower rice because you’ll be distracted by how delicious everything tastes!

 Cajun Chicken With Zoodles

This dish has the full Cajun experience – tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and chicken piled high with Cajun seasonings. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Cajun Garlic Shrimp Noodle Bowls

“SOOOOO good! my 2 year old daughter had 3 helpings and the pan was empty by the end of dinner! Seriously delicious! Made ours with salad shrimp so it was more kid friendly to eat.” – Sarah

One Pot Cajun Pasta

“This was my first shot at a one pot pasta meal and I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about how the pasta would taste. I am now a believer and will definitely be making this recipe again. It was deliciously different and so satisfying. Followed the recipe exactly and didn’t miss that extra step of cooking the pasta and having another pot to wash. Thank you Megan!” – Jane

Blackened Salmon With Mango-Avocado Salsa

“This. Was. Amazing. I’m going to make smoked salmon wraps this week and use the salsa recipe for that as well. Anyone who wants to follow in paleo form, go for the super-simple paleo naan bread here. Been a lifesaver and helps to make variations of all these amazing recipes! Thank you for sharing!” – Brittany

 Chicken Smoked Sausage Gumbo

“Thank you for sharing this! Being from NOLA, my gumbo recipe has been handed down from generations and is literally an all day event. While not gumbo, is an excellent stunt double! I subbed the carrots with okra and since I have the smaller pot, used two peppers and four tomatoes. Thanks for sharing this fabulous recipe!”

Spicy Shrimp and Kale With Creamy Rutabaga

“I love this take on shrimp and grits. I’ve been to NOLA and let me tell you, they know how to do it right, haha! I’ve had rutabaga before but I don’t really remember it – need to try it again. Can’t wait to try this recipe!” – Isabel

Easy Cajun Chicken

“This recipe is THE. BEST!! It is BEYOND easy. Toss the ingredients together, toss in the oven. Done and done! My kids love it. We’ve used it for game nights. We’ve cooked when company comes over. It is delicious and the chicken turns out so tender and juicy I ALMOST feel guilty. Thanks for making me look like a great cook!” – Leighellen

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