Homemade Vegan Cajun Pasta: A Tasty Vegetarian Recipe
What makes vegan Cajun pasta truly irresistible even for non-vegans, is the mix of fresh, colorful vegetables. The bell peppers bring a slight sweetness that complements the kick of cayenne, while the mushrooms and zucchini soak up all those flavors. Every forkful is a little different.
The beauty of this vegan Cajun pasta recipe is how it satisfies on every level. It’s creamy yet packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients. And the best part? It’s easy to make but tastes like something that took hours to prepare. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of red pepper flakes on top take it to the next level, adding brightness and an extra layer of heat.
Even non-vegans love this vegan Cajun pasta dish. The smoky, spicy, and creamy combination is just that good. Serve it up with warm, crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that is rich and healthy and is completely plant-based.
Whether you’re a vegan or non-vegan but want something very healthy, easy-to-make and tasty, then this vegan Cajun pasta recipe is something you must try. In the following section, I’ll be guiding you with my own special homemade recipe on how to make the tastiest vegan dish you’ve ever had, the vegan cajun pasta recipe.
Homemade Vegan Cajun Pasta: A Tasty Vegetarian Recipe
Equipment
- large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta gluten-free if needed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 small zucchini sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup canned coconut milk full-fat for creaminess
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for balance
For the Cajun Spice Mix:
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice level
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Red pepper flakes
- Vegan parmesan
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Make the Cajun Sauce:
- Sprinkle the Cajun spice mix over the vegetables and stir well.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and let them soften for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and nutritional yeast. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until well coated.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar for added depth of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, red pepper flakes, or vegan parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Tips To Improve Your Vegan Cajun Pasta
- Add sautéed tofu, tempeh, or vegan sausage if you want an increase in protein.
- Reduce the cayenne pepper in the Cajun spice mix, if you want it less spicy.
- Blend soaked cashews with vegetable broth instead of using coconut milk to make it creamier.
