If you love seafood pasta with a bold kick, this Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a must-try! This dish combines succulent shrimp, sweet lump crab meat, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a luxurious yet easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Cajun cuisine, known for its bold flavors and comforting ingredients, originates from Louisiana. The Cajun seasoning blend—a mix of paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, and herbs—adds a spicy, smoky depth that perfectly complements the creamy, buttery sauce in this recipe.
Let’s dive into how you can make this restaurant-quality dish at home in under 40 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Packed with Flavor – The rich Cajun cream sauce coats every bite of pasta, while the shrimp and crab bring sweet, briny goodness.
✔ Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
✔ Restaurant-Quality – Impress your family or guests with a seafood pasta that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
✔ Customizable – You can adjust the spice level, use your favorite pasta, or swap in different seafood options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine (or fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Seafood:
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add the shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Add the lump crab meat, stirring gently so it stays intact.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and stir in fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and mix gently.
- Let everything heat through for 2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with:
✅ Fresh parsley or basil
✅ Extra Parmesan cheese
✅ A squeeze of lemon juice
Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables – Adds a light, fresh contrast.
- Crisp green salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
Expert Tips for the Best Cajun Seafood Pasta
✔ Use Fresh Seafood – If possible, use fresh shrimp and lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
✔ Control the Spice – Adjust the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly, so remove it from the pan as soon as it turns pink to keep it tender.
✔ Let the Sauce Thicken – Simmering the sauce for a few minutes helps concentrate the flavors and create a rich, creamy consistency.
✔ Use Quality Pasta – Higher-quality pasta holds the sauce better and provides the best texture.
Variations & Substitutions
➤ Swap the Seafood
- Instead of shrimp and crab, try scallops, lobster, or crawfish.
➤ Make it Lighter
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream for extra protein.
➤ Add Vegetables
- Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
➤ Try a Different Pasta
- Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well in place of linguine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the sauce and seafood up to a day in advance. Store them separately, then reheat and combine with fresh pasta before serving.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Q: Can I make this dish without dairy?
A: Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
This Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a heavenly seafood pasta dish that combines bold, spicy Cajun flavors with rich, creamy texture. It’s easy to make yet elegant enough for a special dinner.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Would you like wine pairing suggestions for this dish?