Cajun Veggie Pasta Recipe for a Quick Healthy Dinner

Looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that packs a punch with spices and wholesome vegetables? This Cajun Veggie Pasta recipe is your new go-to for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal.

Combining the bold, smoky flavors of Cajun seasoning with an array of fresh, colorful vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is as satisfying as it is healthy. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this recipe balances spice, texture, and nutrition effortlessly.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The best part? It’s completely customizable and easy to whip up with pantry staples and fresh produce.

If you love dishes with a bit of heat and a whole lot of flavor, this Cajun Veggie Pasta will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun Veggie Pasta is a delightful blend of spicy, smoky, and savory notes that bring your taste buds alive. It’s loaded with nutrient-rich vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, making it a wholesome meal in every bite.

Not only is it vegan and dairy-free, but it’s also incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy dinner without complicated steps.

Plus, with a homemade Cajun seasoning mix, you can control the spice level to suit your preference. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine while keeping things plant-based and vibrant.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, see Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of half a lemon
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas for added protein

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander for draining pasta
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the bell peppers and zucchini: Toss them into the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften but remain slightly crisp.
4. Season the veggies: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the spices.
5. Add cherry tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
6. Combine pasta and veggies: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the mixture if needed. Toss everything together over low heat for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Finish with fresh flavors: Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, and sprinkle chopped parsley. If using, stir in cooked chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.
8. Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels to your liking.
9. Serve warm: Plate your Cajun Veggie Pasta immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan cream cheese alternative towards the end of cooking.”

• Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to make it mild or extra spicy depending on your preference.
• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or corn for more variety and texture.
• Protein boost: Add cooked lentils, tofu cubes, or your favorite vegan sausage for a heartier meal.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for all dietary needs.
• Make it ahead: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated easily for quick lunches or dinners.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun Veggie Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed greens or roasted asparagus.

If you want a festive touch, garnish with sliced avocado or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory note without dairy.

For a refreshing beverage, a chilled sparkling water with lemon or a light herbal iced tea complements the spice perfectly.

Conclusion

This Cajun Veggie Pasta is a flavorful, vibrant dish that brings together the best of Cajun spices and fresh vegetables for a wholesome plant-based meal. It’s quick and easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy bold flavors and healthy ingredients in one satisfying bowl. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies or protein additions to keep this meal exciting every time you make it.

Looking for more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes? Check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals, explore Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love, or boost your pantry with a homemade spice blend from our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cajun Veggie Pasta”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and spicy pasta dish loaded with colorful vegetables and Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 oz penne pasta”, “1 tbsp olive oil”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 yellow bell pepper, sliced”, “1 zucchini, sliced”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 small red onion, sliced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tbsp Cajun seasoning”, “1/4 cup vegetable broth”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and red onion; saut\u00e9 for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell peppers and zucchini; cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cherry tomatoes and Cajun seasoning; cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}