Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Introduction

Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a delectable seafood dish that brings a perfect combination of flavors and textures to your plate. This recipe blends succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat with a creamy, well-seasoned Cajun sauce, making it a comforting yet elegant meal suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

This recipe is designed for seafood lovers who appreciate rich flavors and smooth, creamy pasta dishes. With the right balance of spice and creaminess, it’s a showstopper for your dinner table.

Overview of the Recipe

This dish consists of al dente pasta enveloped in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce and topped with perfectly cooked shrimp and tender crab meat. It’s a versatile recipe that can be made with pantry staples and fresh seafood, delivering a restaurant-quality experience in your home.

The preparation involves cooking the pasta, sautéing the shrimp, preparing the creamy sauce, and combining the ingredients for a quick, satisfying meal. Whether served as a family dinner or a centerpiece at a gathering, this dish never fails to impress.

History and Origin

The Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce draws inspiration from Cajun cuisine, which originates from the Acadian settlers in Louisiana. Known for its bold flavors, Cajun cooking often features seafood, spices, and creamy sauces, reflecting the region’s French, Spanish, and African culinary influences.

This recipe adapts classic Cajun flavors into a comforting pasta dish, celebrating the best of coastal and Southern cooking traditions.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

For the Seafood:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz lump crab meat

For the Sauce and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place the shrimp in the skillet and sprinkle them with a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
3. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

1. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet.
2. Sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Seafood and Sauce

1. Gently add the crab meat and cooked shrimp to the skillet.
2. Stir to coat the seafood evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.
3. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes to warm the seafood through.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine it with the sauce.
2. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for an added citrus touch.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

This rich dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides such as:

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
• A warm baguette or garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce

For beverages, consider lemonade or iced tea to complement the Cajun spices.

Variations of the Recipe

• Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
• Protein Substitutions: Swap shrimp and crab with scallops or chicken for a different take.
• Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make the dish spicier or milder to suit your preference.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Health Benefits

• Seafood Nutrition: Shrimp and crab are excellent sources of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals like zinc and iodine.
• Vegetable Content: The red bell pepper and onions contribute vitamins A and C and provide antioxidants.
• Calcium and Protein: The Parmesan cheese and cream add calcium and protein, enhancing the dish’s nutritional profile.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time when adding them to the skillet to avoid overcooking.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce may separate upon freezing. If needed, freeze the seafood and sauce separately from the pasta.

Conclusion

Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is an indulgent yet accessible dish that brings a taste of Cajun cuisine to your kitchen. Its creamy texture, combined with the bold spices and tender seafood, makes it a memorable meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress.

Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

---

• Author: Wendy Balderas
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful dish combining shrimp, crab, and pasta in a creamy Cajun sauce. This recipe is rich, spicy, and perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting and elegant meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil, cook shrimp with Cajun seasoning for 2-3 minutes per side, and set aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté onion and red bell pepper for 5 minutes, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, add heavy cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine Seafood and Sauce: Add crab meat and cooked shrimp to the sauce, stirring gently. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Toss the Pasta: Mix pasta into the skillet, adjusting sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve warm.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
• Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Sauté and Simmer
• Cuisine: Cajun, Seafood

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 190mg