Are you craving a plate of creamy, flavorful pasta with a kick of spice? Look no further than this Spicy Cajun Seafood Pasta! This dish is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers, packed with succulent shrimp and tender bites of fish or crawfish, all lovingly coated in a rich Cajun cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or to impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Whether you're new to Cajun cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas and your plate with bold, mouthwatering flavors. Let's get started!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Spicy Cajun Seafood Pasta, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Seafood
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb crawfish tails or chunks of firm white fish (like cod or snapper)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 10 oz fettuccine or linguine (or any pasta you love)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Cook the Seafood
- Toss the shrimp and crawfish (or fish chunks) in Cajun seasoning, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned seafood and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and the fish is opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet where you cooked the seafood. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the red bell pepper and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika into the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Slowly pour in the chicken or seafood broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Gently fold the cooked seafood into the pasta, being careful not to break it apart.
Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Cajun seafood pasta generously, topping with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot, and don’t forget to grab a fork and dig in!
Tips for Customization and Serving
- Not a fan of shrimp or crawfish? Swap in scallops, crab, or even chicken!
- If you’re vegetarian, replace the seafood with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth to make a creamy Cajun veggie pasta.
- Want more heat? Add some sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer it milder? Dial back the cayenne pepper and stick to a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
- Pair this pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
A Final Word
This Spicy Cajun Seafood Pasta is like a party on your plate, full of flavor, creaminess, and spice in every bite. Whether you're cooking it for a family dinner or a special celebration, this dish is bound to impress. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your kitchen creations. You never know, this might just become your new favorite go-to recipe!
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