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creamy cajun salmon pasta

Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta

Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta made with tender seared salmon bites tossed in a rich, smoky tomato cream sauce with garlic, onion, and Cajun seasoning. An easy 30-minute family dinner that's packed with bold flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, cajun, Italian
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 1 lb salmon cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta of choice
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
For the Sauce
  • ½ onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Cajun seasoning to taste
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a bowl, season the salmon with the Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, cook the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream. Season with additional Cajun seasoning to taste, then stir in the lemon juice. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta.
  8. Gently fold in the salmon, or spoon it over the pasta before serving.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan if you'd like an even creamier sauce (optional).
Add extra Cajun seasoning if you prefer more heat.
Don't overcook the salmon...it will continue cooking slightly when returned to the sauce.
Short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi works best, but fettuccine is also delicious.