Name: Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 ounces; 1 tablespoon; 1/2 pound; 1/2 pound; 2 tablespoons; 3 cloves; 1 1/2 cups; 1/2 cup; 1 tablespoon; 1/2 teaspoon; To taste; 1/4 cup; As needed

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If you’re craving a showstopping dinner that marries succulent seafood with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine, look no further than Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce. This dish is a celebration of contrasting textures and vibrant spices, featuring tender shrimp, delicate crab, and a rich, dreamy sauce that clings perfectly to every ribbon of pasta. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special, each forkful delivers creaminess, a touch of heat, and pure comfort. Even better, it all comes together in about 30 minutes—making it as practical as it is irresistible.

Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce comes from a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes something memorable to the dish, from color and crunch to rich flavor and a touch of spice. Here’s what you’ll need for a standout meal:

8 ounces fettuccine or linguine: These long pasta shapes are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A quick sauté in olive oil brings out the best in your shrimp.
1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Look for plump, fresh shrimp for the sweetest bite.
1/2 pound lump crab meat: The delicate, buttery texture of lump crab sets this dish apart.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter forms the backbone of the creamy sauce.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the base with irresistible aroma and flavor.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream: For the dreamiest, richest sauce, heavy cream is essential.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds sharpness and helps tighten up the sauce.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This is where the magic happens, flavor-wise—adjust to taste!
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: A dash of smokiness brings depth and subtle warmth.
Salt and black pepper to taste: A touch of each lets you season to perfection.
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a bright, fresh finish.
Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A squeeze of lemon is the perfect final flourish.

How to Make Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once it’s perfectly tender but still slightly firm, drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, add your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle them with a little salt and black pepper, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Transfer them to a plate—be careful not to overcook, as they’ll finish in the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter, allowing it to bubble gently. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown! Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together as it simmers for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken just a bit, so it’ll cling lovingly to your pasta.

Step 4: Add Seafood and Pasta

Now, gently fold in the lump crab meat and cooked shrimp. Give everything a tender stir to combine, being careful not to break up the crab. Add the drained pasta right into the skillet, tossing so that every strand is slicked in that gorgeous creamy sauce. If the sauce seems a bit thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Heat Through and Serve

Let the mixture cook for another one to two minutes, just enough to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors marry. Taste and season with extra salt or pepper if needed. Plate up the Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and finish with a squeeze of lemon right before serving, if you like.

How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh chopped parsley adds brightness and visual appeal, while a scattering of extra Parmesan is always welcome. If you’re a citrus lover, a quick squeeze of lemon right before serving takes the flavor of the seafood to another level.

Side Dishes

A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is ideal for swiping up any extra sauce left on your plate. For something lighter, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette brings out the best of Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce and balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little extra flair, try serving your pasta in deep bowls with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge perched on the rim. Or, go classic with a rustic family-style serving platter. If you’re feeling fancy, arrange a fan of shrimp along the edge and spoon extra crab on top for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce will stay delicious for up to two days. Keep in mind the seafood is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers make for a decadent lunch.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce can separate and become a bit grainy after freezing, you can freeze portions in airtight containers if needed. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring frequently to bring the sauce back together as much as possible.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce’s silky texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval until just heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Fettuccine and linguine are classic, but penne, spaghetti, or even tagliatelle will work well. Just be sure to adjust the cook time as needed and opt for a shape that holds onto the creamy Cajun sauce.

Is there a way to make the dish less spicy?

Of course! The level of spice in Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is easy to control—just use less Cajun seasoning, or choose a milder blend. You can even add a splash of cream at the end to further mellow the heat.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind the sauce will be a touch thinner, but still rich and flavorful.

How do I pick the best crab meat?

Look for fresh lump crab meat at your seafood counter, which has a sweet, delicate flavor and large pieces that really shine in this dish. If using canned, choose a high-quality, refrigerated brand and drain it well before adding to the sauce.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

No worries! Just add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce loosens up to your desired consistency. The starchy water also helps everything cling together perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something almost magical about sitting down to a bowl of homemade Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce—the warmth, the spice, the sheer comfort. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight in, this dish delivers everything you love about Cajun-style seafood and creamy pasta. Give it a try and you might just find a new favorite to share with your own friends and family.

Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent seafood pasta experience with this Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce recipe. Tender shrimp and lump crab meat are tossed in a luscious, Cajun-spiced cream sauce, served over fettuccine or linguine for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fettuccine or Linguine:

8 ounces

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon

Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined):

1/2 pound

Lump Crab Meat:

1/2 pound

Unsalted Butter:

2 tablespoons

Garlic (minced):

3 cloves

Heavy Cream:

1 1/2 cups

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup

Cajun Seasoning:

1 tablespoon

Smoked Paprika:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt and Black Pepper:

To taste

Chopped Parsley (optional):

1/4 cup

Lemon Wedges for serving (optional):

As needed

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink; set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, then add cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and paprika; simmer.
Combine Ingredients: Add crab, shrimp, and pasta to sauce; heat through.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley, serve with lemon wedges.