Description
Creamy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish packed with bold flavors, tender seafood, and a rich, creamy sauce. With broccoli and al dente pasta, this recipe is perfect for an indulgent dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
:
For the seafood:
1 lb salmon fillet, cut into cubes
1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
2 cups broccoli florets
For the creamy sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
:
Cook the pasta and broccoli:
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Season and cook the seafood:
In a bowl, toss the salmon and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce:
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add heavy cream, broth, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and serve:
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
Top with the cooked salmon and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve and enjoy:
Plate the pasta and serve warm. Pair with garlic bread for an extra treat!
This Creamy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Packed with seafood, veggies, and a creamy Cajun kick, it’s the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, prep all ingredients: cube salmon, peel shrimp, mince garlic, and grate Parmesan. Begin boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. As it heats, season the seafood in a bowl. When the water boils, add pasta and set a timer. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta pot, then drain together. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear salmon until just cooked through, then remove. Cook shrimp in the same skillet until opaque. For the sauce, melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in cream, broth, and seasonings. Let it simmer to thicken before adding cheese. Finally, combine pasta, broccoli, and sauce, then top with seafood.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread or a fresh, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a wine pairing, a buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully. To make it extra special, garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added zest and heat.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook pasta and broccoli together. Season and pan-sear salmon and shrimp separately. Create a creamy sauce with butter, garlic, cream, broth, Parmesan, and Cajun spices in the same skillet. Combine drained pasta and broccoli with the sauce, then top with the cooked seafood. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Yes. Chicken or scallops work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this dish less spicy? Reduce the Cajun seasoning by half or use a mild version. You can also add more cream or Parmesan to mellow the heat.
What’s the best way to prevent overcooked salmon? Ensure your salmon cubes are evenly sized (about 1-inch) and remove them from the skillet as soon as they are opaque and flake easily.
Can I prepare any components ahead? You can season the seafood and prepare the sauce ingredients in advance. However, for best texture, cook and assemble just before serving.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the skillet: Cook the salmon and shrimp in batches if needed to ensure a proper sear and avoid steaming.
- Overcooking the seafood: Shrimp and salmon cook quickly. Remove them as soon as they are done to keep them tender.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and tastes better than the pre-grated kind, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Neglecting to salt the pasta water: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, so be generous.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is a spectacular dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a perfectly balanced meal with tender seafood, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously spiced sauce. It’s an impressive yet approachable recipe that is sure to become a favorite for any special dinner occasion.