Creamy Spinach & Tomato Cajun Spaghetti

Servings

4 servings

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

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Ingredients

For the pasta

• 300–350 g spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)

Seasonings

• 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra heat)

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup grilled chicken strips

• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms

• ½ cup bell peppers (sliced)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or basil

• Extra parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Add salt.

3. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente.

4. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

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2. Prepare the Cajun base

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.

3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

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3. Cook the tomatoes

1. Add diced tomatoes to the pan.

2. Cook for 4–5 minutes until they soften and release juices.

3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

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4. Add seasoning

Mix in:

• Cajun seasoning

• Paprika

• Black pepper

• Chili flakes

Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

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5. Make the creamy sauce

1. Pour in heavy cream and milk.

2. Stir well and reduce heat to medium-low.

3. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

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6. Add spinach

1. Add chopped spinach.

2. Cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.

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7. Combine pasta

1. Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce.

2. Toss well so the pasta is fully coated.

3. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

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8. Finish with cheese

1. Stir in parmesan cheese.

2. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

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9. Garnish and serve

Top with:

• Fresh parsley or basil

• Extra parmesan cheese

Serve hot.

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Flavor Tips

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.

• A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor.

• Use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper tomato taste.