Description
Cajun crab pasta brings coastal Louisiana flavors dancing across your plate with spicy, creamy elegance. Seafood lovers will savor this bold, zesty dish that combines succulent crab meat, rich sauce, and perfectly seasoned pasta in one irresistible Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/2 ounce (0.5 oz) fettuccine or linguine (or pasta of your choice)
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in a generously salted pot of water, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain while preserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
- Warm a blend of butter and olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
- Introduce diced onions and vibrant red bell peppers to the pan, sautéing until they soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Infuse the vegetables with minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Toast these spices briefly to maximize their dynamic flavor profile.
- Create a luxurious sauce by streaming in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to form a smooth, harmonious mixture. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese and a splash of bright lemon juice, stirring consistently as the sauce gradually thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
- Delicately fold in fresh crab meat, carefully maintaining its delicate texture while warming it through the spiced cream sauce.
- Combine the prepared pasta with the Cajun-spiced sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with finely chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Gently fold crab meat to maintain delicate texture and prevent breaking apart during cooking.
- Use fresh or high-quality canned crab meat for the most authentic and rich seafood flavor.
- Adjust Cajun spice levels by increasing or decreasing seasoning based on personal heat preference.
- Consider substituting dairy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still provides creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg