Blackened Creamy Cajun Pasta with Salmon

This Blackened Creamy Cajun Pasta with Salmon is the perfect blend of bold and creamy. Tender linguine gets tossed in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce and topped with perfectly seared salmon for a dinner that’s easy to make but feels a little fancy.

The salmon is seasoned with blackened spices, garlic powder and black pepper, giving it a flavorful kick that balances the creamy sauce. Parmesan and heavy cream make the pasta sauce extra velvety, while crushed tomatoes add just the right amount of brightness.

Top it off with some fresh parsley and a little extra parmesan, and you’re good to go. Pair this dish with a simple salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that works for weeknights, date nights or anything in between. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again!

If you are looking for more delicious pasta recipes, check out our: Blackened Shrimp Pasta, Chicken and Sausage Pasta, Chicken and Vodka Pasta or Pink Pasta.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Flavorful: This pasta dish is packed with flavor from the smoky, spiced tender salmon and a creamy tomato sauce that’s rich, tangy and perfectly seasoned. It’s truly a dish that’s anything but boring.
• Simple: This recipe keeps things simple with just a few steps: cook the pasta, season salmon filets, sear the salmon and stir together a creamy, one-pan sauce. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but the results are impressive enough for a house full of company.
• Versatile: This recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion, from casual dinners to special gatherings. You can also quite easily adjust the spice level, swap out the pasta type or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy dinner recipe:

• Linguine: I recommend bronze-cut pasta for the best flavor and texture because it really elevates the dish. That said, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand and it will still be delicious.
• Olive oil: Use good quality olive oil.
• Salmon: Use a 1-pound salmon filet. You can use any type of salmon, like Atlantic salmon or sockeye salmon.
• Blackened seasoning: Store bought or homemade blackened seasoning will work great.
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper: Use freshly cracked black pepper.
• Crushed tomatoes: You can use canned crushed tomatoes or opt for diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture. Roasted red peppers also make a great substitute.
• Heavy cream 
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts more easily and offers a richer, more intense flavor.
• Italian parsley: Use fresh parsley as a garnish.

Directions

Let's make this creamy cajun salmon pasta recipe together! 

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and season it with the blackened seasoning, garlic powder and black pepper. Add the seasoned salmon to the skillet, skin side down, and sear for 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes and butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, and cook until the sauce is combined and simmering, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this easy recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

• Large Skillet: You'll want a high quality large skillet with enough room to make the sauce and add the pasta.
• Pasta Bowl: I love serving pasta in good quality pasta bowls. They're perfect for a variety of dishes, so they're super versatile!

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this creamy pasta dish.

• Salmon: If you would rather, you could use chicken or shrimp in place of the salmon. Either would be equally as delicious in this dish.
• Linguine: Swap linguine for other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne or spaghetti. 
• Parmesan cheese: Swap out parmesan for another cheese like asiago or pecorino romano.
• Additions: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra brightness. Toss in some baby spinach, kale, red bell pepper or roasted red bell peppers for added veggies. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also add in cream cheese for an even creamier pasta.
• Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley, try fresh basil, thyme or chives as a garnish instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Storage and Reheating

Here are storage and reheating instructions for this delicious recipe.

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
• Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.

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