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Homemade creamy Cajun salmon pasta recipe topped with seared salmon flakes and parsley, shot from above on a white kitchen counter.

Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe

A rich and creamy Cajun salmon pasta bursting with smoky spice, tender salmon, and a silky sauce that feels restaurant-quality yet homemade in 30 minutes.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Southern
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting & prep overlap: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 640kcal
Cost: $18

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or sauté pan Preferably cast iron or stainless steel for a good sear
  • 1 Large pasta pot For boiling pasta evenly
  • 1 Instant-read thermometer Ensures salmon reaches 145°F
  • 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula For stirring the cream sauce
  • 1 Tongs Makes flipping salmon easy without breaking
  • 1 Measuring cups & spoons For accuracy when seasoning and measuring liquids

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Salmon fillets (fresh or thawed) Provides omega-3s and stays moist when seared
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adds signature smoky, spicy flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Helps achieve golden crust
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Balances bold Cajun flavors
  • 12 ounces Penne or fettuccine pasta Penne catches sauce well, fettuccine also great
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness to the cream sauce
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Creates deep flavor base
  • 1.5 cups Heavy cream The base of your Cajun cream sauce
  • 0.5 cup Chicken or vegetable broth Thins sauce to perfect consistency
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Doubles down on smoky spice
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds nutty flavor and thickens sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Adds subtle smokiness
  • handful Fresh parsley, chopped Garnish for freshness and color

Instructions

  • Pat salmon dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in skillet and sear salmon 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
  • Remove salmon and flake into large chunks; set aside.
  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  • In same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add cream, broth, Cajun seasoning, and paprika; simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  • Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  • Toss pasta in sauce; add salmon gently.
  • Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 400g | Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 780mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 2mg