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To make One Pot Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta, you need the following ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta - 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish You can swap out some ingredients based on what you have: - Use any pasta shape you prefer, like spaghetti or rotini. - If you don’t have salmon, try shrimp or chicken. - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter dish. - For a vegan option, use tofu instead of salmon and non-dairy cream. - Fresh herbs can replace parsley, like basil or cilantro. Here’s what you’ll need to cook this dish: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet or pot for cooking the sauce - A wooden spoon for stirring - A chef's knife for chopping ingredients - A cutting board for prep work - A measuring cup for liquids - A measuring spoon for accurate seasoning This list will help you gather everything you need to make this tasty meal quickly and easily! Start by filling a large pot with water. Add salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. After cooking, carefully drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, take 2 salmon fillets and sprinkle Cajun seasoning on both sides. Press the seasoning into the fish to ensure it sticks. This adds a great kick to your dish. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the salmon from the pot and let it rest on a plate. In the same pot, add a finely chopped small onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Now, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to mix. Let the sauce cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Next, stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt for about 1-2 minutes. After that, add the drained pasta to the pot and toss it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth. Finally, flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the pasta. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now you have a creamy, flavorful dish ready to serve! To get a great sear on salmon, start with a hot pan. Use olive oil and let it heat up. When the oil shimmers, add the salmon. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. This means the salmon is cooked well. Avoid moving the salmon too much. Let it cook undisturbed for the best crust. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream and vegetable broth. Start by adding the broth first and bring it to a simmer. After that, pour in the cream. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes. This helps it thicken. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth. You want it creamy but not too heavy. Cooking pasta al dente means it will still have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions but check a minute early. When it's done, drain it right away. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your pasta firm and perfect to mix with the sauce. {{image_2}} You can swap the salmon for other seafood. Shrimp works great in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Cook shrimp until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. You can also try scallops for a different flavor. They add a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the Cajun spices. If you want a meat-free meal, use vegetables instead of salmon. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can replace the fish. Sauté these veggies until they soften. You can also add cooked chickpeas for protein. Substitute vegetable broth for the cream and use a plant-based cream for richness. To elevate the flavors, add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can bring a new taste. If you like heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. To keep your creamy Cajun salmon pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta is completely cool before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Place the container in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, you might want to freeze it instead. When reheating, use a stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of vegetable broth to the pasta. Stir gently over low heat until warm. This helps bring back the creaminess. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it from drying out. You can freeze creamy Cajun salmon pasta for up to three months. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently, adding a little liquid if needed. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it first. You can thaw salmon overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. Once thawed, season it just like fresh salmon. Cook it in the same way. The flavor will still be great! To add heat, try these tips: - Use extra Cajun seasoning. - Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. - Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick. These options will give your dish a nice spicy boost! Parmesan cheese works well in this dish. It melts nicely and adds a rich flavor. You can also try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Both cheeses enhance the creaminess and make the pasta even better! We covered all the essentials for making a fantastic salmon pasta dish. We looked at the complete ingredient list, substitutions, and the equipment you'll need. The step-by-step cooking guide helped you with each part, from perfect pasta to delicious sauce. I shared tips to enhance your cooking skills and discussed fun variations. Finally, we explored storage options and answered common questions. Now you have all the tools to create this meal with ease. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends and family!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta

Indulge in a delicious bowl of creamy Cajun salmon pasta that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! This easy recipe combines tender salmon, fettuccine or penne, and a rich creamy sauce bursting with flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a taste of Cajun flair in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup spinach leaves

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

    Season the Salmon: While the pasta is cooking, season the salmon fillets with Cajun seasoning, making sure to coat both sides well.

      Sear the Salmon: In the same pot (or a large skillet), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, searing for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove salmon from the pot and set aside to rest.

        Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

          Create the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine and allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.

            Combine with Vegetables: Stir in the spinach leaves and let them wilt into the sauce for about 1-2 minutes.

              Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pot and toss it in the creamy sauce until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth.

                Final Touches: Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the pasta. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                  Serve: Divide the creamy Cajun salmon pasta among plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings | 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in large bowls, topped with extra cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A sprig of parsley adds a pop of color.