Description
Spicy Cajun salmon pasta dances with rich, velvety sauce and zesty Creole seasonings, creating a bold Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this quick, elegant meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
- Liberally coat salmon fillets with zesty Cajun spice blend, pressing seasoning gently into fish surface.
- Warm olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place seasoned salmon and cook approximately 3-4 minutes per side, developing golden-brown caramelized exterior. Transfer salmon to separate plate.
- Using identical skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour heavy cream into skillet, incorporating Parmesan cheese gradually. Add halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Simmer sauce until slightly thickened and vegetables soften.
- Gently break cooked salmon into rustic chunks using fork, then fold into creamy sauce, maintaining delicate fish texture.
- Introduce cooked pasta into sauce, carefully tossing to ensure even coating and harmonious flavor distribution.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across dish for vibrant color and herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while sauce remains luxuriously warm and silky.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by controlling the amount, allowing personalized heat levels for different spice tolerances.
- Swap salmon with chicken or shrimp for alternative protein options, maintaining the recipe’s creamy Cajun flavor profile.
- Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising taste and texture.
- Consider reducing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk for a lighter, lower-calorie version that still delivers rich, satisfying flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 827 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 529 mg
- Fat: 57 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg