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Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce


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

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
  • 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