Description
A flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender salmon fillets and hearty rigatoni pasta in a creamy sauce with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and flaky. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet with the pasta. Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Serve the Cajun salmon rigatoni hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- You can substitute the salmon with chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein option.
- For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg