As a busy mom, finding meals that satisfy everyone at the table can feel like a challenge. Cajun Seafood Pasta is a recipe you can whip up quickly, bringing a taste of the coast right into your kitchen. With tender shrimp and scallops nestled in a rich, creamy sauce, this dish promises comfort and flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Your family will love it, and you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Cajun Seafood Pasta works wonders for families. First, it combines seafood with pasta, a favorite among kids and adults alike. The dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. The bold flavors from the Cajun seasoning add excitement to the meal, while the creamy sauce keeps it comforting. Plus, with minimal prep and virtually no fuss, you can focus on relaxing and enjoying dinner with your loved ones.
How to Make Cajun Seafood Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add shrimp and scallops, cooking until they are just opaque.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the seafood and mix well.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cajun Seafood Pasta
A quick and flavorful meal featuring shrimp and scallops in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add shrimp and scallops, cooking until they are just opaque.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the seafood and mix well.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Customize seafood choices based on family preferences. Adjust spice level of Cajun seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
How to Serve
Serve your Cajun Seafood Pasta with a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is also great for special occasions, so feel free to impress guests by pairing it with a nice glass of white wine. For a more kid-friendly option, consider serving it with grated cheese on the side for them to sprinkle on top.
How to Store
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store Cajun Seafood Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the sauce thickens while sitting, add a splash of water or cream to restore its creaminess.
Tips and Variations
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. If you’re looking to add some veggies, throw in some spinach or zucchini during the cooking process. You can also adapt the seafood to include your family’s favorites like crab or lobster. Feel free to adjust the spice level of the Cajun seasoning based on your family’s preferences; it’s easy to customize!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops?
Yes, frozen seafood works well. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
What if my family doesn’t like seafood?
You can easily replace the seafood with grilled chicken or sausage for a hearty alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and toss in the pasta and seafood just before serving.
Conclusion
Cajun Seafood Pasta is a delightful meal that’s both simple and satisfying. With its bold flavors and creamy sauce, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to save it for later. Your next family dinner is just around the corner, and this dish will make it memorable!
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