Pasta has been a delicious base for meals across many cultures, but the difference between Cajun pasta vs. regular pasta is all in the preparation. The pasta you order at a traditional and authentic Cajun seafood restaurant should not taste like the pasta you order from an Italian restaurant. While the pasta itself starts out the same, they have very different flavor profiles. So, what is it that makes Cajun pasta unique? Let’s dive in and discuss.
The Difference Between Cajun Pasta and Regular Pasta
There are many types of pasta, but there are three primary elements that give it a specific flair, and these include:
- Pasta is often named by its shape. For example, in our Cajun pasta dishes we use linguine. This is typically a long piece of pasta that can be made fresh and then cooked or be dried and then cooked.
- The texture of a pasta can vary depending on whether it is fresh or dried, and how long it was cooked. When pasta is slightly chewy and firm, it is often referred to as al dente. This stage is thought to be the happy medium between overcooked and undercooked pasta.
- Perhaps the most defining part of any pasta dish is the ingredients that go into it. Cajun pasta dishes boast strong Cajun seasoning, rich flavors, vibrant herbs, and bold tastes that make all the difference.
In our Houston kitchens, the seasoning is the secret ingredient that gives our Cajun pasta dishes a distinctly aromatic appeal. Cajun pasta reflects southern cultural kitchens that span generations, and our signature pasta dishes hold true to the delicious traditions and cultural influence.
Because our Cajun seasoning is a tightly guarded proprietary recipe, we can’t tell you exactly what goes into our house spice. What we can tell you is that Cajun spice is usually comprised of some or all of the following: black pepper, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper, cayenne pepper and thyme, to name just a few. Have we got your mouth watering yet?
We Can Help with Your Cajun Pasta Cravings
Now that we have established the delicious difference of Cajun pasta vs. regular pasta, let’s talk about the Cajun pasta we offer our guests.
- Blackened Cajun Shrimp Pasta. This zesty dish features tender linguine pasta cooked to perfection and mixed with andouille sausage and tomatoes in a decadent Cajun Cream sauce that is topped with six pieces of mouthwatering blackened shrimp. This dish is paired with a side of crunchy garlic toast that compliments the flavors of the pasta.
- Blackened Cajun Chicken Pasta. Much like the shrimp pasta menu item, this dish also consists of linguine pasta that is tossed with tomatoes and andouille sausage that is mixed with a spicy Cajun cream sauce and topped with three pieces of expertly blackened chicken. Garlic toast is included and rounds out this delicious meal.
With either of our Cajun pasta dishes, you get some carbohydrates from the pasta, a little veggie intake from the tomatoes, and a hefty helping of protein from a combination of sausage and either chicken or shrimp. How’s that for balance?
Whether you prefer to dine in one of our Houston restaurants, in the car on the go, or with takeout you serve at home, we can meet those needs. While we do enjoy seeing happy and satisfied faces around the tables in our dining area, we also know that many of our families are busy and prefer the takeout option for a fast and convenient meal.
If you are hosting a holiday party, gameday, or a special event, consider ordering some Cajun pasta for your guests. You may want to add a party tray as well, which features various seafood options, and be sure to include some traditional Cajun sides such as corn on the cob, red skin potatoes, coleslaw, Boudin balls, and more.
It is also worth pointing out that we can typically customize the heat level of spices used. This means that if you crave enough Cajun heat to melt your tastebuds, we can bring the heat. But it also means that if your child prefers just a sprinkle of spice, we can do that as well.
Have Your Pasta and Your Sides Too
Some family members just can’t agree on a dish to share and so they need a restaurant that can provide variety. We strive to meet this need.
For example, if you are craving our Blackened Chicken Pasta but your kids are clamoring for chicken tenders, we have got you covered. You can find everything from shrimp, chicken, crawfish, sausage, crab legs and tilapia, to specials like gumbo and etouffee, to sides like French fries and garlic toast.
The Cajun tradition is to share a meal with family and friends, but we know not everyone’s tastebuds like the same flavors and heat. This is just one of the reasons we offer a broad menu and customizable spice levels.
The next time you are craving Cajun pasta, come to one of our many Houston locations for a hot, steaming bowl of our blackened shrimp pasta or blackened chicken pasta.