Indulge in the Irresistible Cajun Jambalaya Pasta Recipe from Cheesecake Factory

Indulge in the Irresistible Cajun Jambalaya Pasta Recipe from Cheesecake Factory

Are you a fan of the mouthwatering Cajun Jambalaya Pasta at Cheesecake Factory and want to recreate this delicious dish at home? Look no further! This recipe will help you whip up a delectable version of the restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. The smoky, spicy flavors combined with the creamy pasta will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Cajun Spice Mix:
• 2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Jambalaya Pasta:
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 6 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Cajun spice mix
• 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare Cajun Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine all the ingredients for the Cajun spice mix. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken and Shrimp:
Season the chicken strips and shrimp with the Cajun spice mix. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the shrimp until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic, onions, and bell peppers until they soften. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir in 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the Cajun spice mix. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.

5. Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I adjust the spice level of the Cajun Jambalaya Pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun spice mix to control the heat level based on your preference.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: While fettuccine is traditionally used for this dish, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne or linguine.

Q: Can I add additional proteins to the Jambalaya Pasta?
A: Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other proteins like andouille sausage or even crab meat for a unique twist.

Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
A: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken and shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q: What sides pair well with Cajun Jambalaya Pasta?
A: A side of garlic bread, a simple garden salad, or steamed vegetables complement the flavors of the dish beautifully.