Go Back
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup coconut milk (or other non-dairy cream) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making Vegan Cajun Pasta, the ingredients shine. Each one adds depth and flavor. First, the penne pasta acts as a base. You can use any pasta you love. The onion and garlic give a strong start. They bring warmth and aroma to the dish. Next, add a bell pepper for color and sweetness. The cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness. They create a lovely sauce when cooked. Black beans add protein and texture. They make the dish hearty. Corn brings a sweet crunch. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick of flavor. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper balance everything. Finally, coconut milk creates a creamy sauce. It ties all the ingredients together. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes your Vegan Cajun Pasta not just tasty but beautiful too. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish special. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Once it boils, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to soften but not brown. Now, stir in three minced garlic cloves and one diced bell pepper. Cook this mix for another 2-3 minutes. The peppers should soften up nicely. Now, it’s time to add more color and flavor. Toss in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one can of drained black beans, and one cup of corn. Stir everything well and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You want the tomatoes to begin softening. This will help create a juicy mix! Next, sprinkle in two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and a half teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all up so the spices coat the veggies. Pour in one cup of coconut milk. This will make your dish creamy and rich. Stir well and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This simmering helps the flavors blend and the sauce to thicken just right. Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta to your skillet. Toss it gently to mix the pasta with the sauce and veggies. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. This final cooking helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, dish it out into bowls. For a lovely finish, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. You can also add extra Cajun seasoning for a pop of color. Consider serving a lime wedge on the side for a zesty touch that brightens the dish! - Cook your pasta until al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite. - Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce nicely. - Sauté your veggies well to bring out their flavors. Heat your oil, then add the onion. - Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then, add garlic and bell pepper. - Sauté them for 2-3 minutes to release their taste. This step builds a strong base for your sauce. - Want more heat? Add extra Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. - You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. - If you don’t have coconut milk, try almond milk or cashew cream. - These alternatives will keep the dish creamy without losing flavor. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. - They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. - To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. - Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture and to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. You can start with less and add more as desired while cooking. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh vegetables, especially the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish significantly. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the parsley garnish! It adds a fresh, bright flavor that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can switch the black beans for other legumes. Try using chickpeas or lentils. These will add different textures and flavors. If you want to use grains, consider quinoa or brown rice. They will add a nutty taste and more protein. Seasonal veggies can also change your dish. In summer, use zucchini or fresh corn. In fall, add butternut squash or kale. They will add color and vitamins to your meal. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. This will make your dish hotter and more exciting. You can also try different Cajun blends or even jerk seasoning. Each mix gives a new twist to the flavor. Adding tofu or tempeh can boost protein. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds nice texture. Tempeh has a richer taste and is great for heartiness. Both options are simple to add in while cooking. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices made from rice or chickpeas. These will cook well and keep the dish tasty. For a nut-free cream, you can replace coconut milk with oat or soy milk. Both options are creamy and will blend nicely. This keeps the dish rich without using nuts. Black beans are rich in protein and fiber. They help keep you full longer. Corn adds sweetness and provides vitamins like B6 and folate. Coconut milk offers healthy fats and adds creaminess to the dish. It also contains iron and magnesium, which are vital for health. This recipe serves four. Each serving has about 400 calories. You get around 15 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. The dish has healthy fats from coconut milk, making it a balanced meal. Plant-based meals lower the risk of chronic diseases. They can improve heart health and support weight loss. Vegan cooking is also good for the planet. It uses fewer resources and reduces carbon footprints. Enjoying plant-based meals helps support sustainability and a healthier lifestyle. You can boost the heat in your Vegan Cajun Pasta. Try adding more Cajun seasoning. You can also add cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Hot sauce is another great option. Just a few drops can really spice things up. If you want to mix it up, try a spicy salsa or chipotle sauce. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and veggies separately. Store them in airtight containers. When you are ready to eat, just combine and heat. This way, the flavors stay fresh. You can also prepare the sauce in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. This dish pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad is a great choice. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a nice touch. For something heartier, try roasted veggies. You could add some avocado slices for creaminess too. Yes, this pasta is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the sauce separate if possible. This will help the pasta stay firm. When you want to eat, just heat it up in the microwave or on the stove. You can freeze this dish! First, let it cool completely. Then, store it in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to label them with the date. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. This keeps the taste fresh and delicious. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Vegan Cajun Pasta. We explored each ingredient, from penne and fresh veggies to creamy coconut milk. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for flavor and storage. We also discussed ways to customize this dish with various ingredients. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative! Try different flavors and enjoy this tasty meal. Your kitchen is the perfect place to experiment with flavors and ideas. Enjoy your cooking!

Spicy Vegan Cajun Pasta

A flavorful and creamy pasta dish with a spicy Cajun twist, packed with veggies and plant-based protein.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper red or yellow, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 2 smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers have softened.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
  • Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the veggie mixture. Stir to combine and ensure the spices coat the veggies evenly.
  • Pour in the coconut milk, stirring thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce and veggies. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in bowls and sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on top for a colorful finish. Consider adding a wedge of lime on the side for a zesty touch!
Keyword Cajun, pasta, quick meal, spicy, vegan