Shrimp Crab Pasta Cajun Sauce (Print)

Tender shrimp and crab simmer in creamy Cajun sauce over pasta for a decadent, flavor-packed meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Seafood

01 - 0.5 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 0.5 pound lump crab meat

→ Pasta

03 - 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine

→ Dairy & Cheese

04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings & Garnish

06 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
07 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
10 - Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

→ Other

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

# Directions:

01 - Cook linguine or fettuccine in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are opaque and pink throughout. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
03 - Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in heavy cream, add remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir mixture continuously until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
05 - Add crab meat to the skillet and gently stir until combined and heated through, taking care not to break up the crab.
06 - Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with sauce.
07 - Simmer the mixture over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors. Plate and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Packs two kinds of seafood for major flavor and texture
  • Creamy Cajun sauce brings a gentle heat that is balanced by parmesan
  • Can be made in under 40 minutes with almost all pantry staples
  • Perfect for special occasions but easy enough for a weeknight
02 -
  • This dish is brimming with protein from seafood
  • Cajun seasoning can be spicy or mild so sample and adjust to your liking
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream
03 -
  • If your Cajun seasoning does not list salt taste before adding extra
  • Both shrimp and crab can be delicate so do not overcook
  • Add parmesan little by little so the sauce melts smoothly
  • If you want a thicker sauce let it simmer an extra minute
  • Do not skip the fresh parsley or lemon at the finish it lifts all the flavors and makes the dish shine

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