Description
Seafood enthusiasts will adore this creamy cajun salmon pasta, blending Louisiana-style spices with silky pasta and perfectly seared salmon. Hearty flavors mingle in this quick, elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or pasta of choice
Seasoning and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Generously coat salmon fillets with zesty Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully placing seasoned salmon and cooking until golden brown and crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked salmon to a separate plate.
- Prepare pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package guidelines, maintaining al dente texture. Before draining, carefully extract and reserve a half cup of starchy cooking liquid.
- Utilizing the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly translucent.
- Whisk in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Introduce cooked pasta directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure thorough coating. If sauce appears too thick, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve desired silkiness.
- Delicately break salmon into rustic chunks using a fork, then fold into the creamy pasta mixture, allowing the fish to warm through.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish, serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize Cajun spice blend by adjusting heat levels with more or less red pepper flakes for personalized flavor intensity.
- Swap salmon with other proteins like chicken or shrimp to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
- Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cream alternatives to create a friendly version for those with specific dietary restrictions.
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better spice adherence during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg