This creamy cajun salmon pasta recipe is sure to become a new family favorite! This creamy pasta dish is made with tender chunks of salmon tossed with pasta in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce made with Cajun seasoning, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, but also great for dinner guests or a special occasion!
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Pasta lovers–here’s a new one for your dinner table! This creamy salmon pasta is going to be a hit! Pasta of your choice is smothered in a creamy Cajun alfredo sauce and topped with perfectly cooked, fresh salmon.
This pasta dish can easily be customized to fit the spice tolerance of your family and you can even swap out the salmon for another type of fish, shrimp, or even chicken!
Want more Cajun-inspired pasta recipes?? Try this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta, this delicious Cajun Chicken Spaghetti or this super easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo!
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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- A delicious recipe to jazz up pasta night!
- The flavorful cream sauce coats the pasta and complements the salmon perfectly!
- You can easily customize this recipe and make it more or less spicy, as well as swap out the protein for chicken or another fish.
- Can be made in about 30 minutes!
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe:
INGREDIENT NOTES
Salmon: I always prefer wild-caught, skinless salmon filets.
Cajun Seasoning: My favorite Cajun seasoning is Slap Ya Mama–it can usually be found in most larger chain grocery stores–and on Amazon, of course!. They have an Original blend, which is fairly mild, and also a HOT blend. You can also use Creole seasoning.
Pasta: I always tend to use spaghetti for this recipe, but any shape of pasta works just fine!
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CAJUN SALMON PASTA: STEP BY STEP
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!
Step 1: Season salmon with Cajun seasoning. Place seasoned salmon in a hot pan and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. While salmon is cooking, boil pasta in a large pot of water until al dente. Drain and set aside {reserve about a 1/2 cup of the pasta water, if you remember!}.
Step 2: Cook onions, peppers and garlic until slightly softened. Then, sprinkle flour over the veggies and cook one minute more.
Step 3: Add chicken broth, cream, and spices. Cook until slightly thick.
Step 4: After the salmon is cooked and slightly cool, break it into small pieces with a fork.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice/zest. Toss in pasta and salmon. Serve right away sprinkled with more Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh parsley, if you like!
RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS
- Before you drain the pasta, reserve a 1/2 cup of the pasta water. You can use it to thin out your sauce, if needed.
- If you have a bit of extra time, season your salmon fillets and let the salmon sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
⭐️ CONFIDENCE TIP ⭐️
If you have a meat thermometer you can test the internal temperature of your salmon to see if it’s cooked through. Internal temp should be 120-125°F. You can always just use a fork, too! If the salmon flakes easily, it’s done!
STORAGE & REHEATING
- Storage: Store leftover Cajun salmon pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. I have found leftovers are best consumed the next day…if not eaten right after it’s been prepared! If possible, store cooked pasta and salmon separately.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave on medium heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dish.
ADDITIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
SUBSTITUTIONS
Fish/Protein: You can use halibut or another firm white fish in place or salmon. This recipe is also great with chicken or shrimp!
ADDITIONS
Spice it up: If your Cajun spice isn’t spicy enough for ya, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce!
Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes are a great addition, stirred in near the end. You can also you a can of diced tomatoes (drained).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This simple tossed green salad and some garlic bread are perfect sides for this dish! If you want more veggies, try this simple air fryer broccoli with parmesan.
This really depends on the spiciness of your Cajun seasoning. Most typical Cajun seasonings you find at the grocery store is on the milder side. My favorite is Slap Ya Mama–and they also have a HOT version as well!
I find this dish the very best if it’s enjoyed soon after it’s been prepared. Reheating salmon–although possible, is just never quite as yummy as it is freshly cooked!
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Large Skillet: A big cast iron skillet also works well for this recipe.
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Easy, Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz. spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1/2-1 lb. fresh salmon fillets I prefer skinless salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1-2 cups bell peppers, chopped green or red bell pepper, or both!
- 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced or a heaping tablespoon
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- kosher salt/freshly ground black pepper to taste
- juice of 1 lemon + 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Prep: Cook pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Tip: Reserve 1/2 cup or so of the starchy pasta water. You may need it later. While pasta is boiling, chop your onion and bell peppers.
- Cook Salmon: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Pat salmon dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, season on both sides with 1 1/2 tsp of Cajun seasoning. Cook salmon 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Salmon should have a nice brown sear on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Veggies: To the same pan, heat remaining olive oil. Cook onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until slightly soft. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more. Sprinkle flour over everything and cook for one minute, stirring often.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Add chicken broth, cream and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, and remaining 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning). Cook 3-4 minutes until sauce has thickened slightly. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Last, stir in lemon juice + zest. Taste, and season with salt and pepper if needed. Tip: If your sauce seems too thick, simply add a few splashes of your reserved pasta water.
- Finish: Add spaghetti into the sauce and toss until well-coated. Break the cooked salmon into small pieces with a fork. Gently, toss salmon into the sauce. Serve right away topped with more Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, if you like!
choptool says
I finally found this perfect creamy cajun salmon pasta recipe tutorial, and it’s so easy to make.it tastes so good！
Beth says
30 minutes is all you need to enjoy this delicious dish! This recipe is perfect for my busy weekdays!
Carrie Robinson says
This is definitely my kind of pasta dish! Loving all that salmon in it. 🙂
Justine says
This was so creamy and flavorful, and a really awesome way to eat salmon!
Renee says
I absolutely love how the cajun seasoning works with the salmon; everything turns out so creamy and full of flavor. (So easy to make, too.) Thanks for this great recipe!
Allyson says
\My family and I enjoyed how creamy this dish was. Kid-friendly for picky eaters as well. Love it!
dina and bruce miller says
Salmon is a favorite of ours, and this pasta is going on our list of things to make once our kitchen reno is complete! Thank you for sharing!!