Easy, Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta
This creamy cajun salmon pasta recipe that's 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.
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!
Notes
Nutrition is only an estimate based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator
Nutrition
Calories: 622kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 37gFat: 29.5gSaturated Fat: 11.2gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 426mgPotassium: 761mgFiber: 3.1gSugar: 5gVitamin D: 16µgCalcium: 215mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!