Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce is a rich and decadent pasta dish featuring tender shrimp and delicate crab in a velvety, spiced sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight indulgence or an impressive dinner party. This recipe offers a delightful balance of seafood flavors and comforting creaminess, making it a go-to choice for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 1 pound pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne), cooked according to package directions and drained
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use your favorite blend, adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing the sauce)
How to Make Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce:
This delightful Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an incredibly satisfying yet surprisingly easy weeknight meal. The magic lies in the quick sauté of aromatics and seafood, followed by a luxurious, spice-infused cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The rich texture and bold Cajun flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced yellow onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the cooked pasta.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour the chicken broth or seafood stock into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Incorporate Crab and Shrimp: Gently fold in the lump crab meat and the cooked shrimp into the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir just enough to combine and heat through, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, crab, and shrimp. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the delicious creamy Cajun sauce. If needed, add a little more reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Adjust Seasoning and Finish: Taste the pasta and adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If desired, stir in the tablespoon of butter for an extra glossy finish.
- Serve: Divide the Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce among serving bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce:
This Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce is an absolute showstopper, boasting succulent shrimp and sweet crab bathed in a luxuriously smooth, spice-kissed sauce. It’s a dish that feels incredibly gourmet, yet its straightforward preparation makes it entirely manageable for a weeknight feast. Unlike ordering expensive seafood pasta at a restaurant, making this at home offers exceptional value without compromising on decadent flavor. The vibrant kick of Cajun seasoning, balanced by the richness of the cream and the sweetness of the seafood, creates a symphony of tastes that will have you savoring every single bite.
Imagine the delight of twirling perfectly cooked pasta through this velvety sauce, each forkful a comforting and exciting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a new favorite or a beginner eager to impress, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. It’s a wonderful alternative to a classic Alfredo or scampi, offering a more complex and deeply flavorful profile. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure; gather your ingredients and prepare to fall in love with this unforgettable Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat, if refrigerated, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring in between. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first if possible, then reheat using the same skillet method. Avoid overheating, as this can make the pasta mushy and the seafood tough.
Final Thoughts:
This Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce is a truly decadent and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of elegance to your table without all the fuss, making it a perfect weeknight treat or an impressive dish for guests. Give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.1 pound pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne), 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced yellow onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, 1 small yellow onion
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the cooked pasta.1 pound large shrimp
- Pour the chicken broth or seafood stock into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.1/2 cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat and the cooked shrimp into the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir just enough to combine and heat through, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.8 ounces lump crab meat
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, crab, and shrimp. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the delicious creamy Cajun sauce. If needed, add a little more reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.1 pound pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- Taste the pasta and adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If desired, stir in the tablespoon of butter for an extra glossy finish.to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon butter
- Divide the Shrimp Crab Pasta Creamy Cajun Sauce among serving bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese