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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 98 reviews

This Shrimp & Crab Pasta features tender seafood tossed in a creamy and spicy Cajun sauce. The combination of succulent shrimp, delicate lump crab meat, and rich Parmesan cream sauce over al dente pasta creates a luxurious and flavorful dish perfect for any seafood lover.

Ingredients

Seafood

  • ¾ to 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz lump crab meat

Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter (divided)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed

Garnish

  • ¼ cup green onions or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta of your choice until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Season Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt to evenly coat them with flavor.
  3. Sear Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Warm Crab Meat: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet and gently warm the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it apart. Once warmed through, remove and set aside with the shrimp.
  5. Sauté Garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Make Creamy Cajun Sauce: Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and then pour in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
  7. Add Cheese and Lemon: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  8. Combine Seafood and Pasta: Return the cooked pasta, shrimp, and crab meat to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top for freshness and a pop of color. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy your delicious seafood Cajun pasta dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for best results.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce thickness and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
  • Feel free to swap parsley with green onions or fresh basil for different garnish flavor profiles.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a slightly less creamy texture.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-and-crab-pasta-recipe/