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Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe

3.9 from 43 reviews

This Cajun Salmon Pasta recipe combines the smoky, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning with tender, pan-seared salmon and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Served over perfectly cooked penne or bowtie pasta, this dish is bold, flavorful, and ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner with a little kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or bowtie pasta

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 1 lb salmon fillet, cubed
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced onion

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. Season and cook salmon: Toss the cubed salmon fillets with the Cajun seasoning ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the salmon cubes. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are just cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté vegetables and prepare sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and stir as the sauce simmers gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Combine pasta, salmon, and sauce: Return the cooked salmon to the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together gently, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the salmon is evenly distributed.
  5. Serve: Transfer the Cajun salmon pasta to serving plates. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the spicy, creamy flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to control the spiciness level.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan and substitute cream with coconut milk or another plant-based alternative.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Cajun Salmon Pasta, spicy pasta, creamy Cajun sauce, salmon recipes, easy dinner, one-pan pasta