There is something incredibly satisfying about the Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe that makes it a standout in any weeknight dinner rotation or special gathering. This dish combines tender jumbo shrimp and sweet lump crabmeat with vibrant bell peppers and a delightfully rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The balance of texture, color, and bold flavors will have you craving this seafood pasta again and again. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply in the mood for a comforting, indulgent meal, this recipe never fails to impress with its heartwarming depth and freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe just right is all about the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in layering flavor or adding texture and color that makes the dish pop on the plate.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Yellow bell pepper: Offers a mild sweetness and balances the spice with its mellow flavor.
- 1/2 white onion, chopped: Provides a savory base that gently caramelizes for depth.
- Celery rib: Lends a subtle earthiness and crisp texture when sautéed.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing and creating a rich, silky sauce foundation.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons, divided): The star spice mix that brings warmth and that unmistakable Louisiana kick.
- Fresh garlic cloves (3, chopped): Infuses the sauce with aromatic, robust flavor.
- Flour (3 tablespoons): Acts as the thickening agent to give the sauce its luscious creaminess.
- Spaghetti pasta (1 pound, cooked): The perfect vehicle for soaking up every bit of the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Salt: To enhance all the vibrant flavors without overpowering them.
- Reserved pasta water (1 cup): Adds needed moisture and a touch of starch for the perfect sauce consistency.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce decadent and silky smooth.
- Fresh grated parmesan (2 cups): Adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Black pepper (2 teaspoons): Gives a subtle heat boost alongside the Cajun spices.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the garlic flavor for complexity.
- Jumbo shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and juicy after being sautéed with Cajun seasoning.
- Lump crabmeat (1/2 pound): Sweet, succulent, and delicate — the perfect seafood partner for this pasta.
How to Make Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your spaghetti and cook until just al dente—firm to the bite but perfectly cooked. Be sure to save 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is magical when it comes to helping your sauce cling to the noodles beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a spacious skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers, onion, and celery. Sauté these colorful veggies until tender but still a little crisp, releasing their natural sweetness to form the flavorful base of your sauce.
Step 3: Add Cajun Seasoning and Garlic
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the softened vegetables, then toss in the chopped garlic. Cook everything together until you can smell that irresistible Cajun spice mingling with the garlic aroma, setting the stage for the sauce’s bold flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking briefly until the garlic softens further and the flour begins to cook through, which will help thicken the sauce perfectly.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Cheese
Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water and heavy cream while stirring nonstop. This gradual combination prevents clumps and gives the sauce a silky texture. Next, fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese along with the black pepper and garlic powder. Let the sauce simmer gently until it reaches that rich, creamy consistency that hugs every strand of pasta with warmth and spice.
Step 6: Cook the Seafood
Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, melt a bit more butter and cook your shrimp with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and slightly caramelized, infusing them with that extra layer of spicy flavor.
Step 7: Combine Seafood and Sauce
Add the cooked shrimp to your creamy Cajun sauce and gently fold in the lump crabmeat, taking care not to break up the delicate pieces. This combination creates a luxurious, seafood-packed sauce that’s ready for its pasta partner.
Step 8: Toss with Pasta and Serve
Finally, add the drained spaghetti pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and infused with those incredible Cajun flavors. Get ready to dive in!
How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives make a gorgeous green contrast and add a fresh brightness to balance the richness of the sauce. A light sprinkle of extra grated parmesan on top is a welcome finishing touch that amps up the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines alongside simple garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus also make for excellent accompaniments, keeping the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in deep white bowls to showcase the colorful peppers and seafood chunks beautifully. For a festive touch, use edible flowers or lemon wedges on the side to add pops of color and zesty flavor that complement the Cajun sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better after resting, but the seafood is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, it’s not ideal because the creamy sauce and delicate crabmeat can change texture after thawing. If you must freeze, separate the seafood from the pasta and sauce to retain better consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep everything silky and smooth. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the seafood rubbery and the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, you can swap it for linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just opt for shapes that will hold the creamy Cajun sauce well.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a pleasant, warm heat that livens up the dish without overpowering it. If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of seasoning or choose a less spicy variety.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as well. For the creamiest results, heavy cream is key.
Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
Yes, peeling and deveining ensures the shrimp are tender and clean-tasting, making the overall dish more enjoyable. It also helps the shrimp absorb the Cajun seasoning better during cooking.
Can I make the sauce without crabmeat?
Definitely! The sauce stands strong on its own, and using just shrimp still delivers plenty of heartiness and flavor. Simply add more shrimp or other seafood like scallops if you want to keep it seafood-rich.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brings together the best of seafood, spice, and creamy comfort, the Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. With its approachable ingredients and stunning flavors, this recipe invites you to impress family or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Get ready to savor every saucy, spicy, seafood-packed bite!
Print
Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a flavorful seafood pasta dish featuring jumbo shrimp and lump crabmeat in a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy Cajun-seasoned sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti and sautéed vegetables for a perfectly balanced and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
Seafood
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1/2 pound lump crabmeat
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (1 tbsp and 1 tbsp)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Dairy & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh grated parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta, cooked al dente
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped onion, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cajun Seasoning and Garlic: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and the chopped garlic cloves. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the seasoning is well incorporated.
- Create the Roux Base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly to coat everything and cook the flour for about 1 minute, allowing it to lose its raw taste.
- Add Liquids for Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until fully smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Seafood: In a separate skillet, melt additional butter over medium heat. Add the jumbo shrimp and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, flipping as needed.
- Combine Seafood and Sauce: Add the cooked shrimp to the creamy Cajun sauce and gently fold in the lump crabmeat, being careful to keep the crab intact as much as possible. Heat through until the crabmeat is warmed, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Toss the cooked spaghetti pasta with the creamy seafood sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for creaminess without thinning the flavor.
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor and texture; thaw crabmeat carefully if using frozen.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
