Description
Creamy cajun salmon pasta blends spicy Cajun seasoning with rich, silky sauce for an indulgent dinner. Louisiana-inspired flavors combine perfectly with tender salmon and al dente pasta, creating a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Pasta:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking and Creamy Components:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, carefully reserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Liberally coat salmon fillets with Cajun spice blend, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly seared fish.
- Carefully place seasoned salmon into hot pan, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and completely cooked through.
- Transfer salmon to a separate plate, keeping warm while preparing sauce.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter, releasing aromatic garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Introduce cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their natural juices.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into cream sauce, using reserved pasta water to create desired sauce consistency.
- Break salmon into delicate flakes and carefully incorporate into pasta mixture.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan and fresh chopped herbs for enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is pat dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Customize Cajun spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes or using a mild Cajun seasoning blend for sensitive palates.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and salmon.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 770 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 53 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg