Easy Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta

This Cajun salmon pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines creamy sauce, Cajun spices, and tender salmon. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner14.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 4 ounces of your favorite uncooked pasta1. Some recipes call for 12 ounces2.
• Salmon: ½ pound fresh salmon1. Some recipes cube the salmon into 1-inch pieces3.
• Flour: For dredging1
• Olive Oil: ½ tablespoon1
• Butter: 1 tablespoon1
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon1
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: 2 tablespoons1
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced1
• Heavy Cream: ¾ cup1
• Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice1
• Cajun Seasoning: ½ tablespoon1 or to taste2
• Optional: Fresh basil, torn to taste, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese1
• Salt and Pepper: To taste1

Alternative ingredients include:

• Milk: 2% or whole2
• Coconut Milk: 1 cup3
• Spices: Garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried cilantro, paprika23
• Veggies: Onion, red bell pepper3

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in a large, salted pot of water until al dente, according to package directions1. Reserve some pasta water3.
2. Prepare the Salmon: Season salmon with salt and pepper, then coat it in flour1. Some prefer to season the salmon with cajun seasoning3.
3. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 2 minutes on each side, then remove from the pan and set aside1.
4. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Dijon mustard to the pan, cooking for 30 seconds while stirring1.
5. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning until the sauce is smooth1. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk can be used3. Some recipes use milk and flour to create a smooth, thick sauce2.
6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce, and toss to coat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water13.
7. Finish: Gently add the salmon back into the pan and cook for a few more minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired1. Some recipes suggest shredding the salmon2.

Pro Tips

• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste12.
• Add Veggies: Include chopped onions, garlic, and red bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients3.
• Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy sauce, use a combination of heavy cream and pasta water13.
• Alternative Pasta: Consider using spaghetti squash or linguine6.
• Pairing: Serve with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal3.

Enjoy your homemade Cajun Salmon Pasta!