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–+ servings
A creamy pasta bake with bacon and crispy topping in a cast-iron skillet, perfect for one-pan dinner ideas.

One-Pan Cajun Pasta with Bacon and Jalapeno

This one-pan Cajun pasta dish is a quick and easy weeknight meal that minimizes cleanup. It features pasta, bacon, jalapeno, and cheese in a creamy Cajun sauce, all cooked in a single skillet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Broiling time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 673
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1-1/2 cups uncooked cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni cooked al dente
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
For the Toppings
  • 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup crushed kettle-cooked potato chips or panko bread crumbs

Equipment

  • 10-inch cast-iron skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain. Preheat broiler.
  2. In a 10-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in cream, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. Add pasta, bacon, and jalapeno; cook and stir until heated through. Sprinkle chips over top.
  3. Broil 3-4 inches from heat until chips are browned, about 30 seconds.

Nutrition

Calories: 673kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 32gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 705mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g

Notes

This recipe is designed for minimal cleanup, using just one skillet for most of the cooking process. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and jalapeno to your preference for spice.

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