Description
Indulgent Cajun Linguine weaves spicy southern charm with silky pasta perfection, creating a bold symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Rich cream and zesty seasonings invite passionate cooks to savor a culinary journey through Louisiana’s soulful cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) linguine
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings
- Black pepper to taste
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
Aromatics and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish:
- Chopped chives/green onions
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook linguine until perfectly tender but still firm, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain pasta thoroughly in a colander.
- In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and cajun seasonings for roughly 60 seconds, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Deglaze the skillet with wine, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors. Stir periodically and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet, continuing to simmer for one minute to integrate citrus notes.
- Introduce heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking gently to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. Maintain medium-low heat, stirring consistently for 4-5 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Remove skillet from heat. Fold in grated parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently combine sauce with cooked linguine, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Garnish with additional herbs or parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Perfectly cook pasta by ensuring water is generously salted and maintaining al dente texture, which prevents mushy results.
- Control spice levels by adjusting cajun seasoning quantity for personal heat preference or dietary restrictions.
- Choose high-quality cream and parmesan for richer, more developed flavor profile in the sauce.
- Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this into a complete meal with balanced nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 605
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg