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Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta

Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta
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Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta combines succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat with a spicy, creamy Cajun sauce served over tender pasta. This quick and easy dish is packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and fresh seafood that makes for a satisfying and comforting meal perfect for seafood lovers and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 8 oz sweet crab meat

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, herbs blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter

Oils & Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Pasta & Garnishes

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant to build the flavor foundation for your sauce.
  3. Cook shrimp and crab: Add shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Then gently fold in the crab meat, warming it through without breaking it up too much.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the seasoned seafood. Let simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp, crab, and sauce. Stir thoroughly until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
  6. Final touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately for best flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh seafood when possible for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; cook just until pink and opaque.
  • Adjust the cream thickness by adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a lighter sauce.
  • Toast your Cajun seasoning briefly in the pan before adding liquids to intensify flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to help sauce cling better to pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Crab Pasta, Seafood Pasta, Creamy Seafood Pasta, Spicy Pasta, Cajun Recipe, Quick Dinner, Seafood Dinner

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/cajun-shrimp-and-crab-pasta/