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Cajun Creamy Penne Alfredo

This Cajun Creamy Penne Alfredo is where the comfort of the Italian countryside meets the bold, smoky heat of the Bayou. It’s a vibrant, "jazzed-up" version of a classic Alfredo that swaps the mellow garlic profile for a "Holy Trinity" base of onions, peppers, and spice.
Print Recipe
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 725
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 small bell pepper red or green, diced
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
  • Reserved pasta water
  • Chopped fresh parsley garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta per package instructions (al dente), and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. In the medium sauce pan, add oil and heat to medium. Once oil is hot, add onion and bell pepper and saute until soft. Add minced garlic and saute for another minute.
  3. Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, seasonings, and reserved water. Add butter and let it simmer until desired thickness.
  4. Mix pasta into the sauce and garnish with parsley.
  5. Serve: Pasta and chopped chicken on top.

Notes

Half & Half Swap: If you want to save about 250 calories per serving, suggest swapping the 2 cups of heavy cream for Half & Half. You will need to simmer it a few minutes longer to get that "desired thickness."