Creamy Spicy Pasta

This quick and easy Creamy Spicy Pasta recipe tosses your favorite pasta in a rich and smoky Cajun-inspired cream sauce. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever you’re craving a comforting pasta dinner with a kick!

📝 Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 shallot (minced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 14.5 ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes (or regular crushed tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces pasta (cooked according to package directions)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes and parsley (optional, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
2. 2Meanwhile, heat the 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 shallot and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add 3 cloves garlic and cook 30 seconds longer, until fragrant.
3. 3Add 2 Tablespoons tomato paste and continue to cook 1 minute longer.
4. 4Add in 1 14.5 ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning and Pinch red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, while the pasta cooks.
5. 5While sauce simmers, add your 12 ounces pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. 1 – 2 minutes less than called for on the package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
6. 6To your sauce, add the 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7Add the pasta and stir to combine. Add pasta water, if needed, to thin the sauce a bit.
8. 8Top with additional parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy!