Description
Hearty Cajun pumpkin alfredo pasta blends robust Louisiana spices with silky pumpkin sauce, creating a comforting autumn-inspired dish. Spicy, creamy flavors dance across palates, inviting you to savor each rich, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Sauce Foundation: In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic oils and creating a flavor base.
- Sauce Development: Pour pumpkin puree and heavy cream into the skillet. Incorporate Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to create a unified, vibrant sauce.
- Sauce Refinement: Simmer the mixture, stirring consistently, until it thickens and develops a rich, creamy texture. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a silky consistency.
- Final Integration: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated. If needed, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serving: Transfer the creamy Cajun pumpkin Alfredo to warm plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Optional: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein and complexity.
Notes
- Pasta Water Preservation: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it’s crucial for adjusting sauce consistency and helping sauce cling perfectly to noodles.
- Seasoning Balance: Adjust Cajun spice levels carefully; start with less and taste incrementally to prevent overwhelming heat, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and off direct heat to prevent clumping, creating a smooth, silky sauce without grainy texture.
- Dietary Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 533
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg