Cajun Crab Pasta Recipe
This Cajun Crab Pasta is a luxurious and flavorful dish combining tender lump crab meat with a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce over perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. The sauce features aromatic vegetables, garlic, smoked paprika, and a blend of Cajun seasonings, enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine (or pasta of your choice)
For the Sauce and Crab:
- 1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Let the sauce thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Crab Meat: Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it up too much. Allow the crab to warm through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, paired with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- Be gentle when folding in the crab meat to keep the lumps intact for a better texture.
- If the sauce thickens too much, use reserved pasta water to loosen it without diluting the flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for an ideal complement.
Keywords: Cajun crab pasta, seafood pasta, creamy pasta, spicy pasta, Cajun seasoning, crab meat recipe
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/cajun-crab-pasta-recipe/
