Best Vegan Pasta: Cajun-Style & Easy to Make
Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
Creating your own Cajun seasoning not only makes this dish stand out, but it also lets you control the spice level.
Simply mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Set this blend aside — you’ll use it to coat the vegetables and add flavor to the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook a bit once you add it to the sauce. Drain the pasta, then set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
The aromatic base of onions and garlic creates the foundation for this savory, comforting dish.
Once the onions soften, add the sliced bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle about half of the Cajun seasoning over the veggies.
Continue to cook for 5–6 minutes until the bell peppers soften and the tomatoes start to release their juices, creating a natural sweetness that balances the spicy flavors.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
After the vegetables have softened, pour in the coconut milk (or almond milk) and vegetable broth.
These liquids form the base of the creamy sauce that makes this pasta dish so indulgent and satisfying.
For a hint of cheesy flavor without dairy, stir in the nutritional yeast. Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning into the sauce, adjusting to taste.
Let the sauce simmer for about 5–8 minutes. As it heats, the sauce will begin to thicken, developing a luscious, creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the skillet. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce, giving it a richer flavor and making it ultra-satisfying.
