This creamy Cajun salmon pasta is a flavor-packed weeknight dinner that’ll impress without the stress. Think juicy, pan-seared salmon tossed with fettuccine in a rich cream sauce bursting with garlic, shallots, cherry tomatoes, and a kick of Cajun heat. Perfect for date night or when you just want something that feels fancy without the hard work. Great recipe that is Off the Chain!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Salmon Pasta Recipe
- Bold Cajun flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh salmon.
- Quick to make – about 30 minutes from start to finish. Very easy recipe.
- A creamy sauce that everyone loves.
- This creamy pasta makes a perfect main dish for the whole family or a cozy dinner for two.
What You’ll Need
- Fettuccine – or any pasta of choice. Cooked in salted water until al dente.
- Skinless salmon fillets – cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cajun seasoning – adds spice and depth.
- Dried dill – brings in a herby brightness. Pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste.
- Unsalted butter – for searing salmon.
- Avocado oil – or extra virgin olive oil for sautéing.
- Cherry tomatoes – blistered and juicy.
- Shallots – for a mild oniony sweetness.
- Garlic cloves – always a must.
- Fresh lemon juice – adds acidity to balance the richness.
- Heavy cream – for that luscious creamy sauce.
- Pasta water – helps bring the sauce together.
- Parmesan cheese – adds to the creaminess and gives a nice flavor.
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta
- Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season the cubed salmon with Cajun seasoning and dried dill.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the salmon and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Add the cherry tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until tomatoes burst and shallots are softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir. Season with more Cajun seasoning, dill, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Let simmer for a few minutes then lower heat. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Toss in the cooked pasta. Mix to coat in the sauce.
- Gently fold in the salmon or place on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the salmon. Sear just until it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
- Use leftover salmon or even smoked salmon for a shortcut.
- Swap cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- Swap salmon for lobster or shrimp if preferred.
- Use fresh dill in place of dried for a extra boost of freshness.
FAQs
Can I use canned salmon? Yes, just be sure to drain it and skip the searing step.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I make it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese, but the sauce will be thinner.
What goes well with this? A simple green salad or roasted veggies make the perfect side dish.
Stay Connected
Love this creamy salmon pasta recipe? Let us know by leaving a star rating and comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe with your email address to get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 2 skinless salmon fillets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
- 1 tbsp dried dill divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 shallots diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pasta water reserved
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Season salmon with 1 tbsp of the Cajun seasoning and 1/2 of the dried dill.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add salmon and sear 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add avocado oil, cherry tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until softened.
- Add heavy cream, the remaining Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and the remaining dill. Heat until slightly boiling. Lower heat to low and add Parmesan. Mix until smooth and allow sauce to thicken. Add some pasta water if needed.
- Toss in cooked pasta. Mix to coat. Add salmon on top.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
