Easy and Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta
This Easy and Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta is packed with bold flavors and a luscious, spicy Cajun sauce. Juicy, perfectly seasoned salmon is paired with a creamy tomato-based Cajun sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta, and topped with parmesan cheese. A simple yet restaurant-quality dish you can make in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- Nonstick Skillet
- Large Pot (for pasta)
- Tongs or Spatula
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife
Ingredients
For the Cajun Sauce:
- 1 diced shallot
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup hot sauce Louisiana-style recommended
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Salmon:
- 2-4 salmon filets
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta of choice linguine, penne, or fettuccine work well
- Optional Garnish:
- Red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Cook the Salmon
- Season the salmon filets with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and sauté the diced shallot and garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning.
- Add tomato paste and hot sauce, stirring well to combine.
Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally as the sauce thickens.
- Add parmesan cheese and lemon juice, stirring until smooth.
Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta water (optional, for adjusting sauce consistency).
Toss Pasta in Sauce
- Add the drained pasta directly to the Cajun sauce.
- Toss everything together, letting the pasta absorb the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or use a cornstarch slurry to adjust the consistency.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the pasta and top with salmon filets.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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