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Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce for Seafood Lovers

A delicious Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce that boldly brings Cajun flavors to your table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun, Seafood
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter Can use olive oil as a healthier alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning Divide and adjust according to taste preference.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Chopped; substitute with garlic powder if fresh is not available.
  • 3 tbsp Flour Use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Evaporated milk can be substituted for a lighter version.
  • 2 cups Fresh Grated Parmesan Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper Use less for a milder dish.
  • Salt Enhances flavor; use to taste.
  • 1 cup Pasta Water Reserved; helps to adjust sauce consistency.
For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Spaghetti Pasta Can substitute with gluten-free pasta.
For the Seafood
  • 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp Peeled & deveined; substitute with scallops or firm fish if preferred.
  • 1/2 lb Lump Crabmeat Can replace with crab claws.
For the Vegetables
  • Red Bell Pepper Adds sweetness and color.
  • Yellow Bell Pepper Provides a slightly sweet flavor.
  • 1/2 White Onion Chopped; substitute with yellow onion for a stronger flavor.
  • 1 rib Celery Contributes crunch and flavor.
For Extra Flavor
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Can be omitted for fresher flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • separate skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add spaghetti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, white onion, and celery. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Make the Sauce: Stir in flour into sautéed vegetables and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in reserved pasta water and heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Cook Seafood: In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add seasoned shrimp and sauté for 3-4 minutes until cooked.
  5. Combine Everything: Gently fold in crabmeat into the sauce. Add reserved spaghetti and toss everything together until well coated. Let it simmer on low for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Garnish with parsley or green onions, and accompany with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning according to heat preference. Store leftovers separately to maintain texture.

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