Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta A Taste of Louisiana

Recipe Introduction: Let's Talk Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta

Ever get that craving? You know, the one that screams for comfort food with a kick? I get it, like, all the time .

Honestly, my go-to is this Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Cajun . It's like a warm hug from Louisiana, but with pasta.

This isn't just any Salmon pasta recipe , oh no. We're talking about a dish steeped in Southern charm. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity and the balance between creamy, spicy, and savory.

It's an Easy pasta recipe that even a kitchen newbie can nail, trust me. Ready in about 30 minutes and serves 3 hungry souls.

Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta A Taste of Louisiana Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:3 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
• 1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 oz (225g) penne, fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite pasta shape
• Salt, for pasta water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta well and set aside.
• Pat salmon pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss salmon with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
• Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
• Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Gently fold in the cooked salmon.
• If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:650-750

Fat:40-45g

Fiber:2-3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

What Makes this Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Special?

So, what's the big deal? Well, besides being ridiculously tasty, salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. We are talking good for your heart, and brain food.

It is also perfect for a busy weeknight pasta dinner when you want something quick, satisfying, and a little bit fancy.

Let's dive into the flavours of this Louisiana cuisine pasta . The smoky heat of the Cajun spice complements the richness of the salmon beautifully, all tied together by a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Seriously, I'm drooling just thinking about it.

The Star of the Show: Cajun Salmon

The heart of this dish is the Cajun salmon . This isn't about bland fish; it's about bold flavor. We're talking a fiery spice blend that transforms simple salmon into something extraordinary.

This is more than just a spicy salmon pasta – it is an experience.

This Creamy salmon pasta with Parmesan isn't just food; it's a memory waiting to happen. So, grab your ingredients, crank up some tunes, and let's get cooking!.

Time to Gather Your Crew: Ingredients & Equipment

Ready to whip up some ridiculously tasty Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta ? This easy pasta recipe is all about big flavors and minimal fuss.

Honestly, you'll be surprised how quickly this salmon pasta recipe comes together.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Precise!

Alright, let's break down what you need. I always find that if you have everything prepped ahead of time, it makes the cooking process so much smoother.

Think of it like your culinary mise en place, innit!

For Our Star, The Salmon:

• 1 lb (450g) salmon fillets, skinless and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks
  • Quality check: Look for salmon with a vibrant color and firm texture. Avoid anything that looks dull or smells too fishy.
• 1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Pasta Power:

• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta.
  • Pro Tip: Don't forget to salt the water like the sea, as Jamie Oliver says!

Creamy Cajun Sauce Magic:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Seasoning Notes: Cajun Flavor Central

The key to that Spicy salmon pasta kick is the Cajun seasoning . Play around with the amount to get the heat level you like.

Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. If you are looking for that Louisiana cuisine pasta taste profile.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Seriously, you don't need a fancy arsenal here. You can definitely nail this weeknight pasta dinner with just the essentials.

• Large pot.
• Colander.
• Large skillet.
• Tongs or spatula.

Getting Down and Dirty with the Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta

Alright, let's get cooking! Ever craved a dish that's both comforting and packed with flavour? Well, strap yourselves in because we're making Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta .

It's like a warm hug from Louisiana, and honestly, what's not to love about that?

This easy pasta recipe will make you feel like a professional chef. Think tender salmon, creamy sauce, and a kick of Cajun spice.

It's perfect for a weeknight pasta dinner . Plus, who doesn't love a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes?

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key!

First things first: let's get organised. This is called "mise en place" in fancy chef-speak, but really it just means getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

Chop your garlic, measure out your spices, and get your pasta water boiling. Trust me, it makes a massive difference.

This Salmon pasta recipe will be a huge success.

Safety Note: Remember to wash your hands before and after handling raw salmon. Food safety is crucial!

Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Cooking Method: Step-by-Step

Here's the breakdown for Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta :

1. Cook your pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente, usually 8- 10 minutes . Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Season your salmon: Toss salmon pieces with 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Make sure each piece is coated evenly!
3. Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3- 4 minutes per side, until cooked through. It should be flaky!
4. Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, followed by minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds .
5. Build the sauce: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, followed by 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
6. Simmer and combine: Let the sauce simmer for 3- 5 minutes , until slightly thickened. Add pasta and salmon. Toss everything together!

Pro Tips for Cajun pasta recipe

Want to take your Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta to the next level? Try these tricks.

Don't overcook the salmon! It's best when slightly underdone. Plus, always taste and adjust the sauce as you go. More Cajun spice? Go for it!

And finally, if you are looking for seafood pasta recipes or particularly a spicy salmon pasta , this dish will surely bring you pleasure. This Louisiana cuisine pasta is a delightful experience.

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Feast

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for our Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta masterpiece! This isn't just a Cajun pasta recipe , it's an experience.

Honestly, I’ve tweaked this so many times it's practically a family heirloom now. My tip? Don't be afraid to experiment!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate It Up!

Presentation matters. You know? Twirl that Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta high on the plate. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or those chopped green onions really brightens things up.

Feeling fancy? Add a lemon wedge. For a real Louisiana kitchen vibe, serve with a side of cornbread.

What to drink? A crisp white wine balances the richness. Seafood pasta recipes like this are fab with a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage Tips: Save Some For Later

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Salmon pasta recipe keeps well.

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop that Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Cajun in an airtight container. It'll be good for up to 3 days. Safety first !
• Freezing Options: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this. The sauce might separate when thawing. Bummer, I know.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently in a pan on low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little dry. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overcook the salmon.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

This easy pasta recipe is super adaptable. Want to lighten it up?

• Dietary Adaptations: Use half-and-half instead of cream. It'll still be delish!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, toss in some grilled corn or zucchini. Autumn? Roasted butternut squash would be amazing.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body

This Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Cajun recipe packs a punch of protein and healthy fats, thanks to the salmon. It's also got carbs from the pasta, giving you energy.

Remember portion sizes, though! It is quite rich.

Key Health Benefits: Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. Win-win! A bowl of this spicy salmon pasta is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

So there you have it! look into in and make this Weeknight pasta dinner your own. Don't stress about perfection.

Just have fun! And hey, if you nail a restaurant-worthy plate of Creamy salmon pasta with Parmesan , tag me on socials.

I'm always keen to see your culinary creations!