Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe

This dish is a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors.

I love how the Cajun seasoning adds a kick to the tender salmon and pasta.

One important tip: don’t overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.

I recommend using heavy cream for a rich and smooth sauce.

What makes this recipe special to me is its quick preparation time without compromising on taste.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal.

Enjoy making and savoring this delicious Cajun salmon pasta!

How to Make Cajun Salmon Pasta

Ingredients List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Cajun Salmon Pasta recipe:

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed
• 8 ounces of pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine, spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-step Process

Step 1

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

Season them with kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning on both sides.

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Place the salmon fillets in the pan and cook them for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

When the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set aside.

Step 2

Cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente.

Drain and set aside.

In the same skillet you used for the salmon, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Cook for 1-2 minutes, and then add the Dijon mustard and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.

Stir to combine.

Step 3

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, followed by the lemon juice.

Stir well to combine, and cook the sauce over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly.

Step 4

Break the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet with the sauce.

Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Serve your homemade Cajun Salmon Pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying salmon dish!

Side Dishes for Cajun Salmon Pasta

Cajun Salmon Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dinner recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To complement and enhance the dining experience, here are some side dishes to serve alongside the pasta.

Zucchini Noodles

For those looking to add more vegetables to their meal or seeking a low-carb option, zucchini noodles (also known as “zoodles”) are an excellent choice.

Simply spiralize zucchini and lightly sauté in a pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

The zucchini noodles will add a pleasant crunch and a hint of sweetness that complements the spicy cajun flavor of the Salmon Pasta.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is always a popular choice as a pasta side dish.

The buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread adds a comforting element to the meal and can also be used to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

You can make your own garlic bread with a baguette, butter, garlic, and parsley, or purchase pre-made garlic bread from your local grocery store.

Ingredients Substitutes

Heavy Cream substitute

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half and half or a combination of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream.

These alternatives will still provide creaminess, just slightly lighter in texture.

Olive Oil

In place of butter, you can use olive oil to prepare the dish. This healthier option adds a subtle hint of olive flavor and pairs well with the other ingredients in the recipe.

How to Store Cajun Salmon Pasta

Cajun Salmon Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines cooked pasta, cream sauce, fresh salmon fillets, and a mix of Cajun seasonings.

To ensure you enjoy its taste and texture, you should store it properly.

Here are some storage methods to help you preserve the quality of your Cajun Salmon Pasta.

Refrigerating

To store your leftover Cajun Salmon Pasta in the refrigerator, allow it to cool down completely at room temperature.

Once it’s cooled, transfer the pasta into an airtight container. Make sure the container is well-sealed to keep air and moisture out.

Keep the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and when you’re ready for the leftovers, reheat it in a saucepan on low heat until warm.

Freezing

Freezing is another option for storing your Cajun Salmon Pasta.

If you plan to freeze it, separate the cooked pasta from the sauce and salmon.

This will help maintain the texture of each component.

Place the cooked pasta in one airtight container, and store the Cajun cream sauce with salmon in another container, making sure each is properly sealed.

Label the containers with the preparation date and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To serve, thaw the sauce and pasta in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on low heat in a saucepan.

Mix the components together and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Salmon

One common mistake is overcooking the salmon.

If you cook the salmon fillets for too long, they will become dry and tough.

To avoid this issue, sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side on medium heat.

It’s essential to keep an eye on the fillets to ensure they don’t overcook.

Skipping the Seasoning

Another mistake is forgetting to season the salmon properly.

To get the best flavor, be sure to generously season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and Cajun seasoning.

By doing this, you will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Preparing a Bland Cream Sauce

Creating a bland cream sauce can detract from the meal’s overall appeal.

For a more flavorful sauce, add the right amount of spices, such as white pepper and Cajun seasoning, to the cream sauce.

Additionally, you can use a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth or pasta water to get the desired consistency.

Ignoring the Final Touches

Lastly, don’t forget to garnish your Cajun salmon pasta with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

While this step may seem insignificant, these herbs can elevate the dish’s appearance and taste, making it more enjoyable for your taste buds.