Shrimp Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta, cooked
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh grated Parmesan
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1/2 pound lump crabmeat
Instructions:
1. Prepare Pasta:
- Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Saute Vegetables:
- In a large pan, sauté red and yellow bell peppers, chopped onion, and celery in butter until vegetables are softened.
3. Add Cajun Seasoning and Garlic:
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and add the chopped garlic to the sautéed vegetables. Stir until fragrant.
4. Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir until the garlic softens.
5. Create Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and heavy cream to the pan. Add fresh grated Parmesan, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasonings if needed.
6. Cook Shrimp:
- In a separate pan, cook the jumbo shrimp with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning in butter until the shrimp turn pink.
7. Combine Shrimp and Crab:
- Add the cooked shrimp to the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the lump crabmeat.
8. Serve:
- Toss the creamy Cajun sauce with the cooked pasta or serve it over rice or grits.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve immediately and enjoy your Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce!
Tips:
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Feel free to add more Parmesan for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes or serve over your favorite base like rice or grits.
This Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a flavorful and indulgent dish that brings together the richness of seafood and the spiciness of Cajun seasoning. It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you’re craving a delicious and satisfying meal.