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Cajun Salmon Pasta

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This Cajun salmon pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. With seared Cajun-spiced salmon, a luscious cream sauce, and your favorite pasta, it’s a comforting yet impressive meal perfect for any night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz salmon fillet (skinless or skin-on, fresh or thawed)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Rub mixture evenly over both sides of salmon. Set aside.
  3. Chop onion, dice bell pepper, and mince garlic. Grate the Parmesan if using a block.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add salmon fillets. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms and salmon is just cooked through (internal temp should be 145°F). Remove salmon to a plate. Let cool slightly, then flake gently into large pieces with a fork. Remove skin if needed.
  6. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add another splash of oil if needed. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  8. Season sauce with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust spice as needed.
  9. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until silky.
  10. Gently fold in flaked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  11. Spoon pasta into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream and cheese for dietary needs. Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice preference. Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the dish. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: cajun salmon pasta, creamy salmon pasta, easy salmon pasta, weeknight dinner, spicy pasta, seafood pasta, cajun pasta, salmon recipes, 30 minute dinner, comfort food

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