Shrimp & Crab Cajun Pasta (Printable Version)
Succulent seafood and pasta combined with a decadent Cajun cream sauce for a Southern-inspired dish with gourmet appeal.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ For the Seafood
01 - 200 g (7 oz) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 150 g (5 oz) lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
03 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ For the Pasta
05 - 300 g (10 oz) linguine or fettuccine
06 - Salt, for pasta water
→ For the Creamy Cajun Sauce
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 1 small shallot, minced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
12 - 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
13 - 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 1 tsp lemon juice
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
16 - Pinch of cayenne for extra heat (optional)
→ Garnish
17 - Chopped parsley
18 - Extra Parmesan
19 - Lemon wedges
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Season shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter and sauté shallot and garlic until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning and paprika.
04 - Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and lemon juice, and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Fold in crab meat and cooked shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if desired. Let heat through for 2 minutes.
06 - Toss cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. Cook together for 1 minute to meld flavors.
07 - Serve warm, garnished with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Ready in just 35 minutes for a quick yet impressive dinner
- Uses simple ingredients that create bold, complex flavors
- Perfect balance of spicy and creamy elements
- Can be easily customized to your heat preference
02 -
- High in protein with approximately 34g per serving
- Can be prepared with frozen seafood in a pinch
- Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day
- The perfect special occasion dish that feels like dining out
03 -
- Let the seafood come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even searing and tender results
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining as this starchy liquid is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency
- For the most flavor impact taste and adjust seasoning just before serving as cream can sometimes mute spices