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Cajun Seafood Pasta

Cajun Seafood Pasta
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Cajun Seafood Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with tender shrimp, scallops, and a creamy sauce over fettuccine or linguine. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect blend of bold spices, sweet seafood, and smooth, rich comfort that’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz scallops

Seasoning & Aromatics

  • 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic, herbs blend)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped

Sauce & Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Fat & Garnish

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
  3. Cook the Seafood: Season the shrimp and scallops with Cajun seasoning. Add them to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until opaque and lightly browned, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove seafood and keep warm.
  4. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in additional Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese to thicken and flavor the sauce. Adjust thickness by adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  5. Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce and gently fold in the cooked seafood. Heat through for a minute or two, ensuring every strand is luscious and coated.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and add extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Fresh Seafood: Use fresh or properly thawed seafood to ensure tenderness and flavor.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the shrimp and scallops—they cook quickly and get rubbery when overdone.
  • Season Gradually: Start with less Cajun seasoning and adjust as you go to get the perfect spice level.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash of pasta water can help smooth and thicken the sauce perfectly.
  • Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun, Seafood, Pasta, Shrimp, Scallops, Creamy Sauce, Quick Dinner, Spicy

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cajun-seafood-pasta/