Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs
Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs
This Vegan Southern-Style Cajun Pasta is topped with buttery pecan breadcrumbs and a creamy dairy-free + vegan cajun-infused parmesan sauce. And easy, quick family-friendly meal for any night of the week. Gluten-free + Nut-free options.
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This creamy veggie-packed pasta has it all. The sauce is silky smooth and coats the Limache pasta like a dream. It's full of warm Cajun flavor and the buttery pecan breadcrumbs add just the right amount of texture and crunch in every bite. Literally, I recommend this Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs for the entire family. It's SO GOOD!
If you're looking for a wow-worthy pasta recipe for entertaining, this Southern-style recipe is just what you need.
Be sure to see this beauty come to life via IG Reels for a nice visual!
Overall, this creamy vegan pasta is definitely comfort food in a bowl, includes simple steps, and can totally be personalized based on preference----i.e. sub with your favorite pasta type/shape or eat with meat (if not restricted to vegan) like chicken, seafood, beef, steak, or non-meat like mushrooms, tofu, cauliflower, etc.
My Top Fave Pasta Recipes:
Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
Creamy Roasted Garlic Kale Pasta with Parmesan
Lemon Herb Roasted Chickpeas + Bucatini
How To Make Southern-Style Cajun Pasta
To make this delicious pasta recipe, you'll need to roast some sweet bell peppers + tomatoes. Of course you begin boiling your pasta. In the meantime, you make your creamy sauce by sautéing a few garlic cloves, and then adding in the seasoning, coconut cream/milk, veggie stock, white wine, and cheese. Next, toss in your cooked + drained pasta, kale, roasted veggies, and wallah.
Roasted Veggies; a Game-Changer
I like to roast my tomatoes + bell peppers in a hot oven until they blister and become sweet. The heat from the oven caramelizes the outside of the veggies and enhances its natural sugars, much like how caramelized onions become sweet after cooking.
Roasted tomatoes + bell peppers are also better seasoned than their plain counterparts. When you roast the tomatoes + bell peppers, you first toss them in olive oil and a few herbs + seasonings before they bake. That first step adds so much more flavor rather than making a sauce from plain raw tomatoes + bell peppers. Once the tomatoes + bell peppers are charred, it’s time to remove them from the oven.
The more charred your tomatoes + bell peppers are, the sweeter they will be. You do still want a little structural integrity to the veggies, so bake them until they just start to blister and blacken. The blackened flavor on the outside of the tomato + bell pepper really enhances the overall flavor in this pasta.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this Southern-Style Cajun Pasta:
- Lumache. I like to use organic and a high-quality brand! However, you can sub with Penne, Rigatoni, Fettuccine or Pappardelle or any other type of pasta that you like.
- Olive oil. you can also use avocado oil, coconut oil, or Grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
- Vegan Butter. Use a great brand like Earth Balance.
- Vegetable stock. Use store-bought organic, low-sodium broth or make your own!
- Full-fat coconut cream/milk. For the rich, creamy body in the pasta.
- Garlic. I prefer fresh, but you could substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- Nutritional yeast. I think this is a must-have vegan pantry ingredient. It instantly adds umami and cheesy flavor without any dairy.
- Herbs + Seasonings. A great addition of flavor. You'll need salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, + parsley.
- Cinnamon. Just a pinch does the trick! Enhances the flavors so well!
- Cajun seasoning. Use store-bought or my homemade seasoning blend.
- Vegan Parmesan cheese. I love using high-quality brands! So Delicious Dairy-Free or Violife mozzarella cheese shreds tastes great too as another option.
- Arrowroot. This is used as a thickener, however, you can sub with GF flour for that option or all-purpose flour, cornstarch, tapioca flour, etc.
- White wine. Use your favorite dry white. You can omit this and sub with additional veggie stock.
- Kale. Use fresh for best results, but frozen also works! Ensure that it’s chopped. Feel free to use spinach, collards, asparagus, broccoli or broccolini, etc.
- Bell peppers + tomatoes. I like to use mini sweet peppers when convenient, however, you can use traditional bell peppers (all colors) and chop them medium-thin. You'll be seasoning roasting peppers + tomatoes.
How to Make Pecan Breadcrumbs
Do not skip these toasted nutty breadcrumbs. Here's what you need to make them:
- Pecans. Use pre-chopped to skip a step!
- Breadcrumbs. You can use panko or Italian-style
- Cinnamon. To add a touch of warming spice to the Cajun pasta.
- Herbs + Seasonings. A great addition of flavor. You'll need garlic powder, oregano, + parsley.
REASONS WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CREAMY VEGAN CAJUN PASTA!
First and foremost, the flavors in this simple and Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs is enough to convince anyone, however, here are a few more reasons why you’ll love this pasta dinner:
- It’s absolutely delicious—-creamy + velvety. I always try to ensure that my creamy pastas are just that----creamy! So, using cream-based ingredients like a high-quality full-fat coconut cream/milk and freshly-grated vegan parmesan helps to achieve this best!
- Super easy to make and quick! I literally love making the most delicious weeknight meals that don't take a ton of time and effort and this recipe is it! Plus, no crazy clean-up! Can we say–Everything on a baking sheet and skillet?
- Full of flavor + well seasoned! (The best reason). This by far is one of my biggest reasons for making this pasta. I enjoy adding spices + herbs to create a bold flavor profile that works with Lumache.
- Perfect for any time of day—Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast (if that’s your thing), whatever! Most of all, this is my biggest plus! I love pasta during anytime of the day, especially whenever there are leftovers. The good thing is that this pasta reheats nicely once done over the stovetop---slow and warmed through.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend
Sure, you can find pre-made seasoning blends at the grocery store. But there’s nothing like the fresh, customized flavor you get by making your own blend. The herbs and spices in the cajun spice mix for this recipe are inspired by the fresh herbs that work so beautifully together to create a bold, spicy flavor (from the cayenne + paprika).
You can Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six months. Use it on anything from simple roasted vegetables to salad dressing to herb oil for dipping bread.
CAJUN SEASONING BLEND
To make your own homemade cajun seasoning blend, combine the following:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne
- Dried thyme
- Onion powder
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS PASTA!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs. Everything from my fave baking sheet, parchment paper, food processor, high-powered blender, skillets, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
BEST TYPES OF PASTA TO GO WITH CREAMY CAJUN-STYLE SAUCE
If you're thinking of serving this creamy Cajun-style sauce with pasta other than Lumache, then I'm so with ya! When it comes to pasta, you can use long pastas like Fettuccine, Bucatini, Pappardelle, Tagliatelle, etc. if desired.
However, I would recommend tossing with tongs to ensure that pasta is fully manageable and fully coated. Otherwise, other pastas such as Penne, Rigatoni, Paccheri, Shells, Orecchiette, etc. are perfect.
HOW DO YOU THICKEN THE SAUCE?
It’s important to thicken your Cajun-style sauce so it gets nice and sticky. Personally, I love using arrowroot starch (which is a great gluten-free option). However, if you don’t have this on hand, using other subs like all-purpose flour, regular cornstarch, or tapioca flour work just fine. Just be sure to always stir your thickener with warm water until it becomes a ‘milky’ liquid before adding it to the sauce OR you can add the dry thickener to your skillet with the seasonings, right before adding the liquids, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Adding Protein to this Southern-Style Cajun Pasta
If you'd like to add protein to this creamy Southern-Style Cajun Pasta dish, it's easy to do, regardless of your diet!
Plant-based protein options:
- Crispy seared or baked tofu cubes
- Crumbled stir-fried seitan
- Crumble vegan bacon on top
- Sautéed cauliflower florets or broccoli
- Sautéed asparagus, Brussels sprouts, etc.
Non-vegan protein options:
- Chicken (breast sliced)
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Beef
- Oxtails
- Fish (fried, jerked, grilled, etc.)
- etc.
What Greens Can I Add to this Creamy Pasta?
Although, kale is the most common veggie that I like to add to this Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs, you can definitely use other greens such as spinach, collard greens, bokchoy, etc. for a nice twist! When it comes to vegetables, there are so many benefits as we all know. While some veggies pack a greater punch when it comes to nutrients, we’ve curated a special list of our Our Top 12 Favorite Healthy Green Leafy Vegetables! Most of these are super popular while others are under utilized in many dishes. Lettuce Eat, Shall We?
Can I Make this Cajun-Style Pasta Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make this dish GF, simply use Gluten-Free pasta and ensure that the coconut cream/milk is GF-friendly.
Can I Make this Cajun-Style Pasta Nut-Free?
Yes! You can make this creamy pasta entirely nut-free by omitting the pecans in the topping and substitute additional breadrcumbs.
Storing Leftover Southern-Style Cajun Pasta
Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Other Southern-inspired Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you are a fan of my Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs, you will also love these other creamy pasta options also!
- One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo
- Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken
- Stovetop Southern Mac and Cheese
- Ultra-Creamy Southern Cheese Grits
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
- Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits
- Broccoli Pesto Grilled Cheese
- Vegan Sweet Cornbread
- Nourishing Chicken Noodle Soup
- Roasted Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you make this Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs, be sure to Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea!
Southern-Style Cajun Pasta with Pecan Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
PASTA:
- 1 (16 oz.) package Lumache pasta (You can use your fave pasta shape/type; See Notes for GF option)
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
ROASTED BELL PEPPERS/TOMATOES:
- 2 cups bell or mini sweet peppers, chopped or sliced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved or whole
SAUCE:
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsps nutritional yeast
- 2 Tbsps cajun seasoning, store-bought or homemade
- 2 Tbsps arrowroot starch (See Notes!)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Pinch of sea salt (Adjust based on your desired salt level)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 (13 oz.) can full-fat coconut cream/milk
- ¼ cup organic vegetable stock
- 2 Tbsps white cooking wine (You can sub with veggie stock)
- 1 cup grated dairy-free parmesan cheese (I love using Violife)
- 1 cup organic kale, chopped
PECAN BREADCRUMBS:
- ½ cup roughly chopped pecans (You can chop finely if preferred)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs, homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
ROAST THE BELL PEPPERS + TOMATOES:
- To roast the tomatoes and bell/sweet peppers, see my Herb Roasted Tomatoes recipe.
COOK THE PASTA:
- Cook pasta according to packaging. NOTE: Limache cooks about the same time as most other pastas, usually 8-10 minutes, depending on brand.
MAKE THE PECAN BREADCRUMBS:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, add the chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, and melted vegan butter together, mixing until combined and "semi-wet" in texture. Add mixture unto prepared baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes or until crumbs are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool.
MAKE THE CREAMY SAUCE:
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter until melted. Add the garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute or so, until fragrant.
- Add the nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, cajun seasoning, cinnamon, and flour, whisking until combined.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add in the coconut cream/milk, veggie stock, and white cooking wine, whisking until combined. Let it slightly bubble for 1-2 minutes and then add in the kale, stirring to combine. Add in the grated parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the sauce along with the roasted tomatoes + bell peppers, tossing until sauce fully coats + sticks to pasta.
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- OIL: You can also use coconut oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil, instead of olive oil.
- PASTA: You can use long pastas like Pappardelle, Tagliatelle, Fettuccine, etc. however, I would recommend tossing with tongs to ensure that pasta is fully manageable and fully coated. Otherwise, other pastas such as Penne, Rigatoni, Paccheri, Orecchiette, etc. are perfect.
- GREENS: To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as kale, spinach, broccolini, collards, or asparagus.
- GLUTEN-FREE: To make this dish GF, simply use Gluten-Free pasta and ensure that the coconut cream/milk is GF-friendly.
- EQUIPMENT: Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Creamy Salmon Alfredo Pasta. Everything from my fave high-powered blender, baking sheets, wooden spoons, mixing bowls, and more.
- ARROWROOT: If you don’t have arrowroot starch, feel free to substitute with regular cornstarch or all-purpose flour, which both act as a thickening agent.
Nutrition
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