Indulge in the bold and flavorful combination of Cajun spices and creamy Alfredo sauce with this mouthwatering Cajun Salmon Alfredo recipe. Tender and flaky salmon fillets are seasoned with a zesty Cajun spice blend, then pan-seared to perfection.
This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a unique and delicious seafood pasta dish. Serve with a Refreshing Broccoli Beetroot Salad to complete the meal.
There's something about recipes with a creamy sauce that are so cozy just like this Creamy Cajun Sausage Spaghetti. Alfredo is a staple pasta sauce that's so simple yet so addicting. I've always loved how Alfredo can be enjoyed the way it is or dressed up by adding white wine, garlic, or cajun seasoning. This delicious recipe takes it to the next level by adding cajun-seasoned salmon. If you're looking for other creamy pastas you should try my crock pot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, vegan rasta pasta, or tuna pesto pasta.
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Reasons You'll Love Cajun Salmon Alfredo
Bursting with Flavor: Cajun Salmon Alfredo combines the bold and spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning with the creamy and comforting taste of Alfredo sauce. It's a flavor explosion in every bite.
Perfectly Cooked Salmon: The salmon fillets in this dish are seasoned with Cajun spices and pan-seared to achieve a crispy exterior and moist, flaky interior. It's a delicious way to enjoy the rich taste and nutritional benefits of salmon.
Easy and Quick to Make: Despite its gourmet appearance, this creamy cajun salmon pasta is surprisingly simple to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Impressive Presentation: This dish not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on the plate. The vibrant Cajun-spiced salmon beautifully contrasts with the creamy white Alfredo sauce, making it a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes.
Versatile and Customizable: You can adapt the level of spiciness in the Cajun seasoning according to your preference. Additionally, you can add your favorite vegetables or incorporate other ingredients to personalize the dish to your liking.
A Unique Twist on Classic Alfredo: If you're a fan of Alfredo pasta but looking for a creative twist, this salmon pasta recipe is the perfect choice. It elevates the classic dish with bold flavors and the addition of deliciously seasoned salmon.
Ingredients
1lb fettuccine pasta - You can use any type of pasta with this recipe but fettuccine is most popular. It has a tendency to stick together while it's cooking
6 tablespoons butter - I used unsalted butter for this recipe. If you choose to use salted butter, add less salt when seasoning
5 garlic cloves minced - Fresh garlic is best for this recipe
1 1/2 cups heavy cream - Adds delicious creamy flavor and makes the sauce thick
1 1/4 cup parmesan cheese - Fresh parmesan cheese is best and it is most traditionally used. You can experiment with other cheeses you have on hand like BellaVitano.
Fresh parsley - Brightens up the cream sauce
Kosher salt to taste - To enhance the other flavors
Salmon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1lb salmon - Use fresh filets instead of frozen
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning - Your favorite store bought seasoning will work just fine in this recipe or you can make your own. More on that later. A little can be added to the sauce to enhance the Alfredo sauce making it a creamy cajun sauce instead.
1 lemon squeezed - One lemon yields about 1/4 cup of lemon juice, this is used to deglaze the pan and it takes the salmon to a whole new level
Ingredient Substitutions
Salmon: If you don't have salmon you can substitute with another firm-fleshed fish such as trout, cod, or tilapia. Chicken or shrimp can also be substituted. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the fish fillets
Fettuccine Pasta: Fettuccine pasta is commonly used for Alfredo, but you can substitute iwith other pasta shapes such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne if desired.
Heavy Cream: If you prefer a lighter version or don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half. Keep in mind that the texture and richness of the sauce may vary slightly by choosing a lower fat alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: If you don't have grated Parmesan cheese, you can use grated Pecorino Romano or a combination of Parmesan and another hard cheese like Asiago or Grana Padano. I've made this with a garlic herb BellaVitano and it was absolutely delicious.
Butter: If you prefer a different type of fat or don't have butter on hand, you can use olive oil or a neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil.
How to Make Cajun Salmon Alfredo
Make The Salmon
Step 1. Pat salmon dry with a paper towel then season salmon with cajun seasoning on all sides. Set aside.
Step 2. Add the olive oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium high heat. Once the oil is heated place the salmon on the skillet skin side up. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the salmon starts to cook and the seasoning begins to blacken. Squeeze one lemon into the skillet to deglaze the pan. Let simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3. Flip the salmon filet skin side down and let cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the salmon is completely cooked through. Once done remove from heat and set aside. Clean the skillet out so it can be used to make the Alfredo. While the salmon is cooking, cook pasta according to the package directions.
Make The Fettuccine Alfredo
Step 4. In a skillet over low-medium heat add the butter and melt.
Step 5. Add garlic and simmer in the melted butter for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and it has started to cook down.
Step 6. Add heavy cream and simmer over medium heat for around 4-5 minutes or until it has reduced started to thicken.
Step 7. Fold in parmesan cheese 1/2 cup at a time until melted into the cream and smooth. Season with salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 8. Add the cooked pasta and coat in the alfredo sauce. Garnish with parsley. Serve cooked salmon over top or cut the salmon into bite sized pieces and toss with the fettuccine alfredo. Serve immediately.
How to Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust according to desired spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
To make cajun seasoning combine all ingredients into a small bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Measure out 1 tablespoon of the seasoning blend to use in this recipe. Once done, store the remaining amount in a tightly sealed container to be used in other recipes.
Tips and Tricks
Season the salmon well: Ensure that you season the salmon fillets generously with Cajun seasoning on all sides. This will infuse the fish with flavor and create a tasty crust when it's cooked.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and spices will provide the best flavor. If possible, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged grated cheese.
Don't overcook the salmon: Salmon can quickly become dry if overcooked. Keep a close eye on the cooking time to ensure the salmon remains moist and flaky.
Use al dente pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta until it's al dente, which means it still has a slight firmness when bitten. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce and salmon.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or other herbs of your choice. This adds a pop of freshness and a visually appealing touch to the presentation.
Serve immediately: Cajun Salmon Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it immediately after assembling to ensure the pasta and salmon are at their peak of flavor and texture.
Experiment with additional toppings: Consider adding extra toppings such as sliced cherry tomatoes, sautéed red bell pepper, or green onions to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish. These additions can provide freshness and a touch of color to the easy cajun salmon pasta recipe.
Must Try Variations
Vegetable Medley: Add a variety of sautéed vegetables to your Alfredo sauce, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms. This will add extra flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
Spinach Alfredo: Incorporate fresh or sautéed spinach into your Alfredo sauce for added color and nutritional value. Simply wilt the spinach in the sauce before adding the cooked salmon.
Lemon Zest: Add a bright and citrusy element to your Cajun Salmon Alfredo pasta by grating some lemon zest over the finished dish. This will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce and salmon.
Cajun Shrimp: Instead of salmon, use Cajun-seasoned shrimp as the protein in your Alfredo dish. Sauté the shrimp separately until cooked and add it to the sauce along with the pasta. Maybe you want the best of both worlds, in that case add shrimp along with salmon to make a cajun salmon and shrimp alfredo pasta.
Smoked Salmon: For a unique twist, substitute the baked salmon with smoked salmon. This will infuse the dish with a delicious smoky flavor and pair well with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Cajun seasoning for an extra kick of heat.
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute traditional fettuccine pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions.
Creamy Tomato Cajun Alfredo: Combine a traditional Alfredo sauce with a tomato-based sauce for a flavorful twist. Start by sautéing diced tomatoes in olive oil, then add the cream, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning to create a creamy tomato Cajun sauce.
Pasta Variations: While fettuccine is commonly used, you can experiment with different pasta shapes, such as penne, bowtie, or rigatoni, to give your Cajun Salmon Alfredo a unique appearance and texture.
What to Serve with Cajun Salmon Alfredo
Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs well with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Serve freshly baked garlic bread on the side for dipping and savoring the flavors.
Green Salad: Prepare a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The crispness and freshness of the salad will balance the richness of the salmon and Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan Roasted Frozen Green Beans: This simple recipe can go in the oven right when you start cooking. It only takes 20 minutes to make and is a simple dump-and-go recipe packed with flavor.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they turn crispy and golden brown. The nutty flavors of the sprouts will pair well with the Cajun seasoning.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grill or roast corn on the cob with a brushing of butter and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning for a flavorful and summery side dish.
Sautéed Spinach: Sauté fresh spinach with garlic and olive oil until wilted. This simple and nutritious side dish will complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and add some vibrant green color to the plate.
Storing and Reheating
To store allow the salmon alfredo pasta to cool down slightly before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the salmon and pasta are fully submerged in the sauce to prevent them from drying out.
To reheat, transfer the cajun salmon pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Add a dash of milk or heavy cream to bring back some of the moisture and creaminess. Cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave the dish in intervals of 1 minute on medium heat, stirring in between each interval.
Note: When reheating in the microwave, the texture of the salmon may not be as tender and flaky as when it was freshly cooked. The microwave can sometimes cause the salmon to become slightly rubbery.
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Creamy Cajun Salmon Alfredo
Ingredients
For The Salmon
- 1 lb salmon
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 lemon squeezed
For The Alfredo
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta cooked according to the package directions
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Make The Salmon
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel then season salmon with cajun seasoning on all sides. Set aside.
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium high heat. Once the oil is heated place the salmon on the skillet skin side up. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the salmon starts to cook and the seasoning begins to blacken. Squeeze one lemon into the skillet to deglaze the pan. Let simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Flip the salmon filet skin side down and let cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the salmon is completely cooked through. Once done remove from heat and set aside. Clean the skillet out so it can be used to make the Alfredo. While the salmon is cooking, cook pasta according to the package directions.
Make The Alfredo
- In a skillet over low-medium heat add the butter and melt.
- Add garlic and simmer in the melted butter for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and it has started to cook down.
- Add heavy cream and simmer over medium heat for around 4-5 minutes or until it has reduced started to thicken.
- Fold in parmesan cheese 1/2 cup at a time until melted into the cream and smooth. Season with salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Add the cooked pasta and coat in the alfredo sauce. Garnish with parsley. Serve cooked salmon over top or cut the salmon into bite sized pieces and toss with the fettuccine alfredo. Serve immediately.
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