Description
A rich and flavorful Shrimp & Crab Pasta with a creamy Cajun sauce, combining tender seafood with sautéed vegetables and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a satisfying and elegant meal in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh grated parmesan cheese
Seafood
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1/2 pound lump crabmeat
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- Salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Liquids
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Saute the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, then sauté the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped onion, and celery until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cajun Seasoning and Garlic: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and the chopped garlic into the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water and heavy cream while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth sauce without lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Enhance the Sauce: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Seafood: In a separate skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the jumbo shrimp seasoned with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Seafood with Sauce: Add the cooked shrimp to the creamy Cajun sauce in the vegetable skillet. Gently fold in the lump crabmeat, ensuring the crab is warmed through without breaking up too much, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy seafood sauce. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Do not overcook the seafood to maintain a tender texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Freshly grated parmesan yields better melting and flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Garnish with parsley or chives for added freshness and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
