Smoky Cajun Black Eyed Peas Pasta Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the perfect amount of comfort and spice, making it both a cozy meal and a flavor-packed adventure. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and feels like a luxurious treat with its creamy sauce and vibrant veggies.
This Smoky Cajun Black Eyed Peas Pasta has rich and hearty flavors that make it one of my favorite meals. The dish has penne, peppers, and coconut milk—the main ingredients—cooked in a way that makes me feel like I’m eating something special and not just my usual weeknight fare.
Even better, the main flavors are what make traditional Cajun dishes memorable: smoky and spicy.
Ingredients
Pasta is abundant in carbohydrates and serves as the basis for the flavors and for providing energy.
Cowpeas: High in fiber and protein, boosts heart health.
Healthy fats, a flavor that can’t be matched, and superb cooking properties result in olive oil’s coming out as number one on our healthful fat list.
The seasoning known as Cajun is what you want when you’re looking for something to pack a punch.
It’s spicy, it’s bold, and it has a nice smokiness to it that kicks it up another notch.
Paprika, smoked: Gives the dish a deep, rich, smoky flavor.
Coconut milk/heavy cream: Balances spices and heat and adds a rich creaminess to the dish.
Sweet peppers: Full of vitamins C and A, these add flavor, color, and texture.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until it is firm to the bite; then drain and put it to one side.
2. In a big frying pan at medium heat, warm the olive oil. Mix in the chopped onion and cook until you can see through it, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. In the skillet, combine the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until you notice a distinct softening of the bell peppers.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour in the described ingredient. Cook in a saucepan over medium-high heat for approximately 1-2 minutes. Perform the following motions:
1. Stir.
2. Scrape down sides (if necessary).
3. And, of course, do not cease stirring until the spices are fragrant.
5. Add in the veggie or chicken stock, then bring to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together.
6. Add the heavy cream or coconut milk, and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Include the skillet with the cooked pasta and toss it all together until the well-coated with the sauce pasta is in the skillet.
8. Take the skillet off the heat and decorate it with green onions and parsley.
9. If you wish, you can add an extra layer of flavor by sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.
10. Enjoy the delicious blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Serve immediately.
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot (for boiling pasta)
2. Colander (for draining pasta)
3. Large frying pan or skillet
4. Wooden spoon or spatula (for sautéing)
5. Knife (for chopping ingredients)
6. Cutting board
7. Mixing bowl
8. Saucepan
9. Measuring spoons (for spices and oil)
10. Measuring cups (for broth and cream/milk)
11. Ladle (for serving)
12. Grater (optional, for Parmesan cheese)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, any pasta shape works well. Consider trying penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. - Q: Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy. - Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Use vegetable broth and ensure all ingredients, like Cajun seasoning, are vegetarian-friendly. - Q: What can I use instead of black-eyed peas?
A: You can substitute with chickpeas or black beans if you prefer. - Q: How do I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
A: Increase or decrease the cayenne pepper to your taste, or omit it entirely for a milder dish. - Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, this dish can be made ahead and reheated. Add a splash of broth if it’s too dry when reheating. - Q: What can I use as a garnish if I don’t have parsley?
A: Fresh cilantro or chives can also be used as garnishes for added flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
For pasta: Substitute with pasta that is free of gluten or made from whole wheat for a more nutritious option.
If olive oil isn’t available: Substitute with avocado oil or canola oil.
For red and green bell peppers: Substitute yellow or orange bell peppers for a sweeter, more flavorful ingredient.
For heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half, or use a dairy-free option like almond milk or cashew cream.
For black-eyed peas: Substitute with cannellini beans or chickpeas for a different texture.
Pro Tips
1. Pasta Timing: To ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook, start preparing the sauce just as you put the pasta to boil. This way, by the time the pasta is perfectly al dente, your sauce will be ready to combine with it.
2. Roasting the Peppers: For an added depth of flavor, consider roasting the red and green bell peppers before adding them to the skillet. This can be done under a broiler or on a stovetop flame until the skins are slightly charred, then diced as usual.
3. Seasoning Control: Mix in the Cajun seasoning gradually and taste as you go. Different seasoning brands may vary in saltiness and heat level, so adjust accordingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
4. Richness Adjustment: If you prefer a richer sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream or coconut milk slightly. Start with an extra tablespoon at a time to reach your desired creaminess.
5. Freshness Addition: Garnish with fresh herbs like additional parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish and balance the rich and spicy flavors.
Smoky Cajun Black Eyed Peas Pasta Recipe
My favorite Smoky Cajun Black Eyed Peas Pasta Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot (for boiling pasta)
2. Colander (for draining pasta)
3. Large frying pan or skillet
4. Wooden spoon or spatula (for sautéing)
5. Knife (for chopping ingredients)
6. Cutting board
7. Mixing bowl
8. Saucepan
9. Measuring spoons (for spices and oil)
10. Measuring cups (for broth and cream/milk)
11. Ladle (for serving)
12. Grater (optional, for Parmesan cheese)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until it is firm to the bite; then drain and put it to one side.
2. In a big frying pan at medium heat, warm the olive oil. Mix in the chopped onion and cook until you can see through it, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. In the skillet, combine the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until you notice a distinct softening of the bell peppers.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the black-eyed peas, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour in the described ingredient. Cook in a saucepan over medium-high heat for approximately 1-2 minutes. Perform the following motions:
1. Stir.
2. Scrape down sides (if necessary).
3. And, of course, do not cease stirring until the spices are fragrant.
5. Add in the veggie or chicken stock, then bring to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together.
6. Add the heavy cream or coconut milk, and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Include the skillet with the cooked pasta and toss it all together until the well-coated with the sauce pasta is in the skillet.
8. Take the skillet off the heat and decorate it with green onions and parsley.
9. If you wish, you can add an extra layer of flavor by sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.
10. Enjoy the delicious blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Serve immediately.