Introduction
Looking for a dish that brings the bold taste of the bayou to your table in just 30 minutes? You’re in the right place. This Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a dream for seafood lovers and spice seekers alike. The tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat are drenched in a silky Cajun cream sauce that clings beautifully to linguine or fettuccine. It’s comfort food with a spicy twist.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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A Fusion of Bold Flavors
This recipe brings together the heat of Cajun spices, the decadence of a creamy sauce, and the delicate sweetness of fresh seafood. It’s a flavor explosion that feels like Mardi Gras in your mouth.
Ingredients Breakdown
Pasta Selection – Why Linguine or Fettuccine Work Best
You want a pasta shape that can hold onto the creamy sauce. Long noodles like linguine and fettuccine are perfect for this. Their surface area grabs the sauce with every twirl of your fork.
The Seafood Duo – Shrimp and Lump Crab Meat
The stars of this recipe. Shrimp brings a firm, juicy texture while the crab adds a soft, buttery contrast. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined, and go for fresh or high-quality frozen crab meat if you can.
Flavor Builders – Garlic, Onion, and Red Bell Pepper
These veggies are sautéed to form the base of the sauce, giving it a rich, savory depth. Don’t skip them—they set the tone for the whole dish.
The Creamy Cajun Sauce – Spices, Cream, and Cheese
Heavy cream and Parmesan make the sauce indulgent. Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika deliver the heat and smokiness. A dash of lemon juice brightens everything up.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta Right
Boil your linguine or fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook—it’ll continue to soften slightly when tossed in the sauce.
Step 2 – Sauté the Base
In a large skillet, melt butter with a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 3 – Add Shrimp and Crab
Add the shrimp to the pan, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Gently fold in the lump crab meat and cook another minute.
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Let it cook down for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5 – Toss and Finish
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir until every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for the Best Cajun Seafood Pasta
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Shrimp cook fast. Like, really fast. The moment they turn pink and curl slightly, take them off the heat. The same goes for the crab—it just needs to warm through.
Balancing the Spice
Start with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and adjust to taste. Remember, some Cajun spice blends are saltier or spicier than others.
Making it Extra Creamy
Want it ultra-rich? Use a touch more cream or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for bonus smoothness.
Customization Ideas
Substituting with Other Proteins
No shrimp? No problem. You can swap in scallops, crawfish, or even grilled chicken. Just keep the cook time in check.
Making It Gluten-Free
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free too.
Want It Extra Spicy? Here’s How
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. Just taste as you go—you want fire, not flames.
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes That Complement the Cajun Flavor
Serve this pasta with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or sautéed green beans. The light sides balance the richness of the sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
How Long Will It Keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Seafood doesn’t love to be reheated too many times, so eat it sooner rather than later.
Best Ways to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Add a splash of cream or milk before reheating gently on the stove. Microwave in short bursts and stir often to keep the sauce creamy.
Nutritional Information
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Calories: ~620 kcal per serving
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Protein: High, thanks to shrimp and crab
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Fat: Moderate-high from cream and cheese
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Carbs: Balanced with pasta
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Sodium: Depends on your Cajun seasoning blend—watch it if you’re sensitive
Conclusion
This Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It’s spicy, creamy, and loaded with seafood flavor that makes you want to go back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Perfect for cozy dinners, date nights, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and bold.
So grab that skillet and let’s get cooking—because once you try this, it’s going to be in your regular dinner rotation.
FAQs
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$19.99 ($0.20 / Count)Q1: Can I use imitation crab meat instead?
Yes, you can! While real lump crab gives the best flavor and texture, imitation crab is budget-friendly and works in a pinch.
Q2: What’s the best way to make it less spicy for kids?
Use half the amount of Cajun seasoning and skip the smoked paprika. You can always let adults add hot sauce at the table.
Q3: Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s not recommended. The cream sauce may separate when thawed, and seafood can get rubbery. Best to enjoy it fresh.
Q4: How do I keep the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and steady once the cream is added. Don’t boil it aggressively, and stir constantly.
Q5: What other veggies can I add to this recipe?
Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes all work great and add more depth and color to the dish.
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Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce | Easy Cajun Seafood Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This bold and creamy Cajun shrimp and crab pasta is a spicy seafood lover’s dream—ready in 30 minutes and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb lump crab meat
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
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Sauté onion and bell pepper in butter and oil.
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Add garlic, then shrimp with seasoning; cook until pink.
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Fold in crab meat and stir in cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice.
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Simmer sauce, toss with pasta, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
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Adjust Cajun seasoning to preferred spice level.
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Use fresh or canned crab meat—drained well.
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Great with garlic bread or a side salad.
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Can substitute linguine with penne or spaghetti.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, crab pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, Cajun seafood linguine, shrimp and crab fettuccine, spicy seafood dinner
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