Description
Creamy cajun salmon pasta weaves Louisiana’s spicy charm with silky pasta perfection. Bold seasonings and rich salmon create an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (skinless)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully extract and preserve ½ cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Thoroughly pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then generously coat each piece with robust Cajun seasoning, ensuring complete coverage.
- Select a skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets, allowing them to sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and flaky internal texture.
- Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and introduce butter. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic, then gently incorporate cherry tomatoes, cooking for approximately 2 minutes to release their natural sweetness.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously. Gradually fold in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency. Enhance flavors with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Transfer cooked pasta and fresh spinach into the creamy sauce, delicately tossing to ensure complete coating. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency and create a luxurious, silky texture.
Notes
- Choose sturdy pasta like penne or fettuccine to hold the creamy sauce effectively.
- Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior when searing.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance by adding more or less.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 900 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 62 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 33 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg