Name: Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 Tablespoons butter, melted; 2 teaspoons blackened seasoning or Cajun seasoning; ½ lb. pasta (fettucine, linguine, or penne); ½ cup butter; 1 shallot, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning; ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 89 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with the Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe that perfectly balances the bold, smoky flavors of blackened salmon with a luscious, cheesy Cajun Alfredo sauce. This dish is a delightful marriage of textures and spices, where tender, flaky salmon meets perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce with just the right kick of Cajun seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe never fails to impress while being simple enough to whip up in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and dishes arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there are two thick pieces of fresh orange salmon in a white bowl. Next to it on the right is a small glass bowl holding yellow nest-shaped nests of uncooked pasta. Below the pasta, a white bowl is filled with shredded yellow cheese. To the left of the cheese, closer to the center, another white bowl contains chopped red onions. Near the center, there is a small white dish with some liquid, and above it to the left is a square white dish with melted butter. Under the small liquid dish, a ceramic square plate holds two pieces of solid yellow butter. To the left of this plate, a metal teaspoon with chopped garlic sits beside a white oval dish with reddish chili flakes. On the far left, fresh green herbs including parsley and chives lay flat. At the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with smooth, creamy white sauce. The setup is clean, simple, and bright with a natural light look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully in the final dish. From the buttery richness to the spicy Cajun notes and fresh pasta, each element adds something special.

4 salmon fillets: The star of the show providing a tender, flaky texture and rich flavor.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Used to coat the salmon, helping the blackened seasoning stick and adding richness.
2 teaspoons blackened or Cajun seasoning: Adds that signature smoky, spicy kick to the salmon.
½ lb. pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne): Your choice of pasta holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
½ cup butter: The base for the sauce that delivers lusciousness and depth.
1 shallot, minced: Adds a subtle onion sweetness to the Alfredo sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth to the sauce’s flavor profile.
1½ cups heavy cream: Creates the rich and velvety texture of the Alfredo sauce.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly to give a nutty, cheesy depth.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Infuses the sauce with that signature Southern spice blend.
¼ cup reserved pasta water: Used to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly when mixing with pasta.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Blackened Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to get it nice and hot. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick better. Brush each fillet on all sides with melted butter, then sprinkle or brush on the blackened seasoning evenly. Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your salmon bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining, as this comes in handy later for adjusting the sauce consistency.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Salmon Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt ½ cup of butter and sauté the minced shallot and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 1-2 minutes. Now it’s time to add the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Whisk these together and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-8 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens, creating an incredibly creamy, flavorful base.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with your Cajun Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of your reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect creamy consistency. Discard any leftover pasta water once done.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Plate the sauced pasta and carefully place the blackened salmon fillets on top. This creates a stunning dish where the creamy Cajun salmon pasta recipe truly shines with each bite delivering that fantastic flavor and texture combo.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with a base layer of creamy light yellow pasta mixed with small green herb pieces and bits of bacon, giving a creamy and slightly textured look. On top, a golden-brown grilled salmon fillet sits, displaying light charring and sprinkled with red pepper flakes and green chives. The contrast between the creamy pasta and the slightly crispy salmon creates a warm and inviting display, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and add a burst of freshness, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley over the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the rich flavors and cuts through the creaminess beautifully, making each serving pop.

Side Dishes

Offer simple sides that won’t compete with the pasta’s bold flavors—think roasted or steamed asparagus, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce. These options complement without overwhelming the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls to highlight the salmon fillet perched on top. Another fun idea is to offer lemon wedges and extra Cajun seasoning on the side so guests can customize their plates to taste. Pair with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime to complete the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the creamy Cajun salmon pasta recipe stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing

While the pasta sauce and salmon can be frozen separately, freezing the dish as a whole might affect the texture of the salmon and pasta. For best results, freeze just the sauce or the cooked salmon in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps restore the creamy texture without overcooking the salmon. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon is fantastic for its flavor and texture, you can substitute with other firm fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What is the difference between blackened seasoning and Cajun seasoning?

Blackened seasoning is typically a blend of bold, smoky spices that char nicely on high heat, while Cajun seasoning tends to be a bit milder with paprika, garlic, and herbs. Both work wonderfully in this recipe depending on your heat preference.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free or lighter?

For a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but the sauce won’t be as thick and rich. Using dairy-free Parmesan substitutes can help make the recipe dairy-free, though the creamy mouthfeel may differ slightly.

How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe?

The level of spiciness depends on the Cajun seasoning used. It usually offers a moderate spicy warmth that isn’t overpowering but deliciously persistent. You can adjust by adding more or less seasoning to suit your taste.

Any tips for perfectly cooked salmon in this recipe?

Patting the salmon dry, brushing with butter, and baking at a high temperature ensures the perfect cook and keeps it juicy. Use a food thermometer to check for 145°F internal temp if you want to be precise, and consider broiling briefly at the end for crispiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that combines indulgence with a burst of bold flavor, the Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a guaranteed win whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Easy to make, full of soul-satisfying taste, and wonderfully creamy, this pasta is ready to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe