Description
Spicy Cajun beef pasta brings Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with a fiery kick of flavor. Bold Creole seasonings and tender beef create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Base Ingredients:
- 8 oz (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, fragmenting the meat and developing a rich caramelized exterior. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the browned beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning blend, paprika variations, thyme, onion and garlic powders over the meat mixture. Toast spices for 1-2 minutes to intensify their aromatic profiles.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform sauce base.
- Submerge penne pasta completely in the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow contents to simmer for 11-13 minutes.
- Periodically stir the pasta to prevent sticking and promote consistent cooking. Check pasta tenderness and sauce consistency, adjusting liquid if necessary.
- Once pasta reaches al dente texture, remove from heat. Optional: Fold in shredded cheese for enhanced creaminess. Taste and recalibrate seasoning as desired.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and sauce texture.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of the dish that still packs incredible flavor.
- Dial down the Cajun seasoning for sensitive palates by using half the recommended amount, allowing everyone to enjoy the meal without overwhelming spice.
- Toast the spices briefly before adding liquids to intensify their aroma and develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Create a gluten-free option by substituting regular penne with chickpea or rice pasta, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can still savor this delicious one-pot wonder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg