Treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal with this Creamy Cajun Salmon & Shrimp Pasta. Tender Cajun-seasoned salmon, juicy shrimp, crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked penne pasta are tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce bursting with bold Cajun flavor. This easy seafood pasta is ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4
Calories: ~760 kcal per serving
🔥🔥🔥 Ingredients
For the Cajun Salmon & Shrimp
- 4 salmon fillets
- 300g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1½ tsp paprika, divided
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Asparagus
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Thick Creamy Cajun Drip & Pasta
- 250g penne pasta (or low-carb keto pasta)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🔥🔥🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Sauté the Asparagus
Heat a small drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the trimmed asparagus and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Sear the Cajun Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with 1 teaspoon paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until beautifully golden on the outside and flaky on the inside. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with the remaining ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Using the same skillet, sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn bright pink and are just cooked through. Remove from the pan.
5. Build the Thick Creamy Cajun Drip
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning until the sauce becomes rich, smooth, thick, and velvety.
Add the cooked penne directly to the skillet and toss until every piece of pasta is generously coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
6. Assemble and Drip
Arrange a generous serving of creamy Cajun pasta on each plate alongside the sautéed asparagus. Top with the golden, flaky salmon and juicy Cajun shrimp.
Finish by flooding the entire dish with an extra massive, heavy, scroll-stopping thick creamy Cajun sauce drip straight from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Salmon & Shrimp Pasta
- Pat the salmon and shrimp dry before cooking for the best golden sear.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after being tossed in the sauce.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 40 minutes
- Packed with protein from salmon and shrimp
- Rich, creamy Parmesan Cajun sauce with bold flavor
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests
- Restaurant-quality seafood pasta made with simple ingredients
