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Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta

Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta
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Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta is a bold and flavorful seafood dish combining perfectly seasoned shrimp and succulent crab meat in a rich, creamy, and spicy Cajun sauce. This quick and easy pasta recipe balances heat, creaminess, and savory tastes, making it perfect for a comforting yet gourmet meal at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Crab

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

Seasoning and Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Finishing Touches

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Season and Cook the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well coated. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally. Add Cajun seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Incorporate Crab and Shrimp: Gently fold in lump crab meat and cooked shrimp into the sauce, stirring carefully to avoid breaking up crab pieces. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm everything evenly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat thoroughly with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. Toss once more, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh seafood whenever possible for better flavor and texture.
  • Control heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to your preference.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; cook until they just turn pink to remain tender and juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling better to pasta.
  • Allow the pasta to rest briefly in the sauce off heat for flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, seafood pasta, creamy Cajun sauce, shrimp and crab recipe, Cajun seafood pasta

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