Go Back
+ servings
Cajun Crab Pasta

Cajun Crab Pasta: Creamy, Spicy Comfort in Every Bite

Cajun Crab Pasta combines creamy sauce with robust Cajun spices for a delightful dinner option.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Fettuccine or Linguine Any pasta shape can be used.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can substitute with olive oil.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) Shallots can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped) Green bell pepper or omit if desired.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh is best, but powdered works.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Adjust to desired spice level.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Omit for a milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional, adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream.
  • ½ cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth can be used.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh is preferable.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper
For the Crab
  • 1 cup Lump Crab Meat Shrimp or scallops are good substitutes.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  4. Fold in lump crab meat carefully, cooking over low heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  6. Plate generously, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread and salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 28gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning based on desired spice level. Allow crab to warm through gently to maintain tenderness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!