The Best Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Try
Whipping up a delectable Cajun salmon pasta brings culinary excitement right to your kitchen.
Spices dance across tender fish and silky noodles, creating a symphony of flavors.
Coastal ingredients merge with bold southern seasonings for an unforgettable dining experience.
Rich, velvety sauce coats each strand of pasta, promising comfort in every bite.
Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this dish becomes an instant favorite.
Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients combine into something magnificently complex.
Savor each forkful and let this recipe transport you to a world of mouthwatering delight.
Cajun Salmon Pasta Flavor Highlights
Ingredients for Cajun Salmon Pasta
Main Ingredients:Seasoning and Spices:Complementary Ingredients:Cooking Cajun Salmon Pasta at Home
Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly
Cook your pasta in salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.
Once done, drain completely and set aside, ready for the flavor magic.
Step 2: Spice Up the Salmon
Generously coat the salmon with a zesty blend of:Step 3: Sear Salmon to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Gently place salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms and fish is fully cooked.
Transfer salmon to a plate.
Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.
Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrant aroma.
Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Sauce
Pour in:Stir continuously until the sauce becomes silky smooth.
Step 6: Add Vibrant Vegetables
Toss in:Let everything simmer and meld together for 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Incorporate Salmon Pieces
Break the salmon into rustic chunks and return to the skillet, gently mixing into the creamy sauce.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until each strand is beautifully coated.
Step 9: Final Flavor Boost
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle chopped parsley.
Serve immediately while piping hot.
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FAQs
Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme, originating from Louisiana cuisine.
Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout that can withstand pan-cooking and hold up in the creamy sauce.
The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your preference.
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Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Creamy cajun salmon pasta delivers a spicy Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure from coastal kitchens. Rich parmesan, tender salmon, and zesty seasonings create perfect flavor harmony for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 2 salmon fillets
Pasta and Noodles:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Cream:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
Oils and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Generously coat salmon with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage across the entire fillet.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust and reaching perfect doneness. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Slowly incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and broth, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Introduce cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and fresh spinach. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting flavors meld and vegetables slightly soften.
- Break salmon into delicate chunks and gently reintroduce to the simmering sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, carefully tossing to ensure every strand is lavishly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Finish the dish with a bright splash of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize the Cajun seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount to suit personal heat tolerance.
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture, ensuring it’s patted dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Opt for whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to make the dish lower in carbs and more nutritionally dense.
- If you’re dairy-sensitive, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 730 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Amanda Bennett
Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling
Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.