This Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp & Crab is a delightful seafood dish that combines the rich flavors of shrimp and crab meat with a spicy Cajun sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress seafood lovers.
The recipe is straightforward and can be made in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve it with linguine for a satisfying and flavorful experience.
Delicious Shrimp and Crab Pasta
This creamy Cajun pasta with shrimp and crab is a seafood recipe that brings together the rich flavors of tender shrimp and lump crab meat, all enveloped in a spicy Cajun sauce.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish is designed to impress seafood lovers.
With a preparation time of just about 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for a weeknight meal. Serve it over linguine for a satisfying experience that highlights the delightful combination of seafood and creamy goodness.
Ingredients That Shine
The star ingredients of this shrimp and crab pasta include fresh shrimp and crab meat, which provide a delightful texture and flavor.
Complementing these are aromatics like onion and garlic, which add depth to the dish.
The creamy base, made from heavy cream and chicken broth, is enhanced with Cajun seasoning, bringing a touch of spice that elevates the entire meal.
Cooking Process
To create this flavorful dish, start by cooking the linguine until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they become fragrant.
Next, add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, then gently fold in the lump crab meat, ensuring it remains intact.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Once the seafood is ready, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Finally, combine the cooked linguine with the sauce, tossing it to coat every strand in that creamy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this Cajun shrimp and crab pasta, presentation is key.
Plate the pasta in white bowls to highlight the vibrant colors of the seafood and sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
Why This Dish Stands Out
This seafood dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
The combination of shrimp and crab in a creamy sauce makes it a standout among crab pasta recipes.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Cajun shrimp and crab pasta is sure to delight with its rich flavors and inviting presentation.
Delicious Shrimp and Crab Pasta
This shrimp and crab pasta features tender shrimp and lump crab meat tossed in a creamy Cajun sauce, served over linguine. The dish is rich and flavorful, taking about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
- Incorporate Crab: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break it apart.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 540kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g