Cajun Pasta(This Is Not For The Fainthearted!)
A spicy, creamy Cajun pasta featuring hot ham, mushrooms, and vegetables, perfect for those craving bold flavors and hearty comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3/4 to 1 lb. Tasso (hot Cajun ham) ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, quartered ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large or 2 small bell peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bunch scallions, sliced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. Creole seasoning ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 lb. angel hair pasta ⓘ
- small amount of plain milk or white wine
Instructions
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery, bell pepper, and sliced scallions; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Add quartered mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Slice the Tasso ham into strips and add to the skillet; cook until heated through.
- Sprinkle flour and oregano over the mixture; stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add evaporated milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add creole seasoning and adjust the thickness with a splash of plain milk or white wine if needed.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and vegetables; toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. If Tasso is unavailable, andouillette sausage or a smoked ham can be good substitutes. For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat angel hair pasta. Ensure to stir constantly when adding the evaporated milk to avoid lumps in your sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cajun Pasta with a side salad dressed with Sour Cream Italian Dressing for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Calzone for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider a light dessert like Italian Scalidi to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or wine to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the pasta to become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Pasta(This Is Not For The Fainthearted!) contains roughly 1158 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the Tasso with sautéed vegetables like zucchini and eggplant to maintain a robust flavor. You might also want to add extra spices to compensate for the missing heat. This version can be just as satisfying and is perfect for those looking for vegetarian recipes.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and heavy cream in equal parts. Alternatively, for a lighter option, use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, but be aware that it may slightly alter the flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To control the heat, adjust the amount of Creole seasoning used; start with half and taste before adding more. You can also reduce the amount of Tasso or use a milder ham. For those who enjoy heat, consider adding fresh cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the finished dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).