Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I was thrilled to be sent a free sample of Classico Light Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce .  This was my first time getting a product from the Tastemaker Program so I sat there looking at my package and brainstormed on what I was going to make with it.  The first thing that popped into my mind was my husband's love of creamy pasta dishes.  Unfortunately, I don't make too many of them these days because we're trying to eat a little healthier.  I loved the fact that this pasta sauce is 50% less fat and 45% less fewer calories than the other leading brands of Alfredo sauces.  So I decided to spice things up and make a Creamy Cajun Pasta.  I cooked it with shrimp and 100% whole wheat pasta to keep it even healthier.  The pasta turned out so fantastic and flavorful.  I think we have more creamy pastas in our future now that I know we have this great delicious light sauce to use.



  Ingredients:
1lb of 100% whole wheat pasta (I used linguine style) 
1lb of cleaned shrimp
1 jar (15oz) of Classico Light Alfredo Sauce
1 medium onion chopped
1 red bell pepper (or red chilies) finely chopped
1-2 green chilies (serranos or jalopenos) seeded and minced
1 medium zucchini diced small
3-4 cloves of garlic grated
1Tbs of olive oil
2Tbs of cajun seasoning (see recipe below)
seasoning salt or salt to taste
red chili flakes (to taste)
1 cup of low-fat milk
3/4 cup of starching cooking water from the pasta 
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbs of minced parsley
1-2 cups of frozen green beans (optional)

Directions:
Before making your sauce: Boil your pasta per package instructions in salted water. Stop cooking the pasta 1-2 minutes shy of the full cooking time.  You will finish cooking the pasta off in the Creamy Cajun Sauce. Remember to reserve your pasta water before draining.  Drain pasta and set aside.  
 



Heat 1Tbs of olive oil in a large pan on medium-high heat.  Add your onions, chilies, peppers and zucchini and saute for 2-3 minutes.  Then add your grated garlic and saute for another 1-2 minutes. 






Then add your chili flakes and Cajun seasoning. You can buy cajun seasoning or make your own seasoning (recipe below).  Saute for 1 minute. 



You can add your frozen green beans here if you decide to use them.  I thought the creamy sauce would go well with the green beans so I added them. 








Next add your bottle of Classico Alfredo Sauce and 1 cup of low-fat milk.  Then use the reserved starchy pasta water to rinse out the jar (get every drop of sauce from the jar).   Stir well and bring sauce to a simmer. 



Next add your cleaned shrimp.  Cook the shrimp for a few minutes, but not fully because they will finish cooking with the pasta. 








Finally add your cooked pasta, parmesan cheese and parsley.  Toss well with the sauce and shrimp.  Allow the pasta to cook for another 2-3 minutes so it finishes cooking.   






Then turn off the stove and allow the pasta to sit in the sauce for a few minutes so it has some more time to soak into the noodles.   Serve and Enjoy.

 










 This turned out to be one fantastic dish and my husband loved it.  I will definitely buy the light version of Alfredo Sauce from Classico again.  Thank you again to Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program for giving me the opportunity to try this product. 



Emeril's Creole/ Cajun Seasoning:
2 1/2 Tbs paprika2Tbs salt
2 Tbs garlic powder
1 Tbs black pepper
1 Tbs onion powder
1 Tbs cayenne pepper
1 Tbs dried oregano
1 Tbs dried Thyme
Mix all ingredients in an airtight container and use as needed. 






Disclosure: I received a bottle of pasta sauce from the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program courtesy of Classico.  I was not compensated in any way for writing this post.  The opinions stated in this post are my own. Thank you.


Copyright: All content, photos and text are property of Curry and Comfort and cannot be used without permission

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