Cajun Seafood Pasta

Here’s a flavorful Cajun Seafood Pasta recipe that’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with shrimp and/or scallops. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!

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🌶️ Cajun Seafood Pasta Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🕒 Cook Time: 25 min
🍽️ Servings: 4

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🧄 Ingredients:

For the pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine

• Salt (for pasta water)

For the seafood:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 1/2 lb sea scallops (optional)

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

For the sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)

• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow, sliced thin)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth (or white wine)

• 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Extra Parmesan

• Lemon wedges (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.

   • Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Season and Cook the Seafood:

   • Toss shrimp and scallops with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.

   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

   • Add shrimp and scallops. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp butter and olive oil.

   • Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft (about 5–6 minutes).

   • Stir in Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and broth (or wine). Simmer for 2 minutes.

   • Add cream and Parmesan. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.

   • Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

4. Combine Everything:

   • Add pasta and seafood to the skillet. Toss until well coated in sauce.

   • Heat everything together for 1–2 minutes.

5. Serve:

   • Plate the pasta, garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

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🔥 Tips:

• Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Mix 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp thyme, 1/4 tsp cayenne, salt & pepper.

• Add a few cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and texture.

• Great with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.