Vegan Cajun Pasta- Easy Weeknight Dinner!

Who doesn’t love a dish full of bold flavors, creamy texture, and a bit of spice? This vegan cajun pasta brings you the best of both heat and heartiness and is so simple to make that it will become your new weeknight favorite!

I am obsessed with this vegan cajun pasta because it is brimming with mouth-watering flavors and can be put together in a snap.

As it is completely plant-based, the spicy cajun seasoning is combined with creamy and rich coconut milk.

And the onion, garlic, and tomatoes provide a tangy aromatic base that is truly divine!

Whenever I want a quick dinner or have to make a special brekkie, I turn to this cajun vegan pasta.

If you are searching for more versatile, easy, and satisfying pasta recipes, give this cottage cheese pasta and mushroom alfredo pasta a shot.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick & Simple: In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Healthy & Satisfying: This cajun vegan pasta integrates a lot of plant-based ingredients and a variety of veggies, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.
• Customizable: Whether you want to add extra veggies, protein, or heat, this pasta is easily adaptable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients In This Vegan Cajun Pasta Recipe

Penne Pasta: I prefer penne pasta because of its sauce-holding features, but any kind of pasta works! You can use spaghetti as well as per your liking.

Cajun Seasoning: It is the key to that signature smoky, spicy flavor. You can use store-bought (like I did) or homemade Cajun seasoning.

Coconut Milk: Coconut milk gives a rich silky texture that gives a creamy base, but you can use cashew cream as a nutty alternative.

Olive Oil: Other than being loaded with healthy fats, olive oil adds a flavorful touch to the sauce.

Capsicum: You can also go for red and yellow bell peppers to add some vibrant color and to make the pasta more appealing.

Onions: They are the underdog which gives the sauce its shape with a few aromatic hints.

Tomatoes: For a tangy and bright red sauce.

Garlic: This aromatic ingredient gives off a solid flavor foundation for your sauce.

Oregano: Adding a herby hint to the pasta, oregano also infuses a ton of flavor that elevates the overall taste.

Red Chili Flakes (optional): Cajun seasoning should be fine, but for those looking for extra heat without overshadowing other ingredients, red chili flakes will do the job.

Salt

How To Make Vegan Cajun Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Add salt and oil in boiling water, and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Saute the Veggies

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, capsicum, and garlic, sautéing for 5-7 minutes till onions are transculent and fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Now, add sliced tomatoes, and add the Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and red chili flakes to the skillet. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer till the sauce has thickened up.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss it to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. If needed, add a little pasta water to thin out the sauce and make it silky.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Vegan Cajun Pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or vegan Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips & Variations

Make it Protein-heavy: Tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas are great options to add more protein and make this pasta even more filling and nutritious.

Use Different Veggies: I like to experiment with zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to keep things fresh.

Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Serving Options

With a Salad: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a tangy golden girl salad which balances out the heat to make the meal more wholesome.

As a Main Course: This cajun pasta vegan is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main dish, but you can always serve it with a side of crusty bread for extra indulgence.

How To Store

In the Fridge: You can store any leftover vegan cajun pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for 2-3 months without any spoilage.

Reheat: Add some hot water to maintain consistency, and heat it in a skillet on low flame for 5 minutes.

Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch of the sauce and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. It’s great for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week and will save you time on busy days.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta oil-free?

Yes! You can sauté the vegetables in vegetable broth or water instead of oil for a lighter version of this Cajun Vegan Pasta.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Cajun sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can be a perfect make-ahead dinner– just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

More Pasta Recipes To Try

• Mushroom Soup Pasta
• Penne Marinara Pasta
• Pesto Alfredo Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Pasta

Please rate and comment if you make this vegan cajun pasta so I know how much you like it.