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Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Crab Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Crab Pasta Recipe

Melena
This Cajun Shrimp & Crab Pasta is a creamy seafood pasta dish loaded with smoky Cajun spices, juicy shrimp, and tender crab meat. Tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a restaurant-quality dinner you can make at home in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Seafood:
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz lump crab meat fresh or quality canned
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • Pasta Base:
  • 12 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or linguine
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Cajun Cream Sauce:
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning extra for sauce
  • ½ cup chicken stock or white wine
  • 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnishes:
  • Fresh parsley or green onions chopped
  • Lemon wedges or zest for brightness

Instructions
 

  • Cook Pasta:
  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Cook Shrimp:
  • Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
  • Make Cajun Cream Sauce:
  • In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning. Deglaze with chicken stock or wine. Stir in cream and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
  • Add Seafood & Pasta:
  • Return shrimp to the pan. Gently fold in crab meat. Toss pasta into the sauce until coated, adding pasta water as needed.
  • Garnish & Serve:
  • Top with fresh parsley or green onions and a squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately with garlic bread or salad.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook fast and can become rubbery.
  • Add crab at the end to keep it delicate and intact.
  • Adjust spice by adding more cream if your Cajun seasoning is strong.
  • For extra heat, sprinkle in chili flakes or cayenne.
  • Leftovers reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.