Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Why make this recipe

Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the best of the sea and a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy family meal. The combination of shrimp and crab, paired with vibrant vegetables and creamy sauce, creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s easy to make, and everyone will love it!

How to make Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1 rib celery
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, divided
• 3 cloves of fresh garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• 1 pound of spaghetti pasta, cooked
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup of reserved pasta water
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 cups of fresh grated parmesan
• 2 teaspoons of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 pound of jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1/2 pound of lump crabmeat

Directions

1. 
   

   Prepare the Pasta:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

   
   
2. 
   

   Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large skillet, sauté the red and yellow bell peppers, onion, and celery in butter until tender. Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and chopped garlic. Cook until fragrant.

   
   
3. 
   

   Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
   Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until the garlic softens. Gradually add the pasta water and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Stir in parmesan, black pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer until creamy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cook the Seafood:
   In a separate skillet, cook the shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning in butter until pink. Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce and fold in the lump crabmeat.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve and Enjoy:
   Toss the pasta with the creamy sauce and seafood. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

   
   

How to serve Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Serve the Shrimp & Crab Pasta in bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for added flavor and color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the tasty sauce.

How to store Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

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Tips to make Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

• For a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning to taste.
• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp and crab can work if fresh is not available.
• Don’t skip the pasta water; it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Variation

You can substitute the shrimp and crab with other seafood like scallops or lobster, or make it vegetarian by adding more vegetables or mushrooms.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne.

2. How can I make it healthier?
You can use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of heavy cream by adding more vegetable broth.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
It is not recommended to freeze this dish because the cream may separate when reheated, affecting the texture.