Description
Sizzling Cajun salmon pasta blends spicy Creole seasonings with silky cream sauce, creating a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish. Perfectly balanced flavors and luxurious textures invite you to savor each delectable bite of this restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 large salmon fillets (cut in half for 6 pieces)
Seasoning Mixture:
- 1.5 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons chili powder
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 0.5 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 6 mini sweet peppers, chopped (or 2 bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2.5 cups (591 milliliters) heavy cream
- 0.33 cup (79 milliliters) reserved pasta water
- Parmesan cheese (as desired)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then carefully extract 1/3 cup of starchy liquid before draining completely.
- Whisk together the seasoning components in a compact mixing vessel, ensuring thorough blending of all spices and herbs.
- Generously coat salmon fillets with half the prepared seasoning blend. Heat a skillet with butter and oil, then sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate.
- Using the identical skillet, melt butter and introduce diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Incorporate sweet peppers and briefly roast until slightly softened. Introduce tomato paste and remaining seasoning mixture, stirring vigorously to develop deep flavor profiles.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, allowing mixture to reach a vigorous simmer. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, utilizing reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and coat pasta thoroughly.
- Artfully arrange pasta on serving plates, strategically positioning salmon pieces atop the creamy base. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Choose high-quality salmon fillets with vibrant color and fresh scent for the best flavor profile.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing spice blend to match personal heat tolerance.
- Use gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice noodles for a celiac-friendly alternative without compromising taste.
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and prevent steaming during cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg