Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

If you are craving a dish that brings together the fresh flavors of the sea with a bold, comforting sauce, this Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Tender jumbo shrimp and delicate lump crabmeat swim in a luscious, spicy cream sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. Vibrant bell peppers and aromatic spices create layers of flavor and texture, making each bite a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself to something special, this recipe offers a delicious blend of richness, zest, and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but come together to create a dish bursting with color, texture, and that signature Cajun kick. Each one plays a vital role—from the creamy parmesan that adds depth to the seaworthy sweetness of the crab and shrimp.

• Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
• Yellow bell pepper: Complements the red with a mellow sweetness and beautiful hue.
• 1/2 white onion, chopped: Provides a savory base to balance the seafood and spices.
• 1 rib celery: Brings a subtle crispness and depth to the sautéed vegetables.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Infuses richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided: Delivers the bold, spicy essence characteristic of this dish.
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped: Adds fragrant warmth and enhances every savory bite.
• 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the cream sauce to perfectly coat the pasta and seafood.
• 1 pound spaghetti pasta, cooked: The ideal base to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
• 1 cup reserved pasta water: Adds moisture and helps achieve the ideal sauce consistency.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that envelops the seafood and pasta beautifully.
• 2 cups fresh grated parmesan: Offers a nutty, salty finish that enhances every forkful.
• 2 teaspoons black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined: Tender, juicy seafood that’s the star of the show.
• 1/2 pound lump crabmeat: Delicate and sweet, creating a luxurious seafood experience.

How to Make Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. It’s important to save 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, as this will help you adjust the cream sauce later. Cooking the pasta properly ensures it has just the right bite to complement the rich sauce and seafood.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped onion, and celery. Sauté until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. The vegetables form the flavorful backbone of the sauce, providing sweetness and crunch that counterbalance the creamy cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Add Cajun Seasoning and Garlic

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning along with the chopped garlic. Stir and cook until the garlic releases its aroma, about 1 minute. This step is where the dish really starts building its signature bold, spicy foundation—be careful not to let the garlic burn for the best flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir continuously, which will help thicken the sauce once you add the liquids. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this is where the sauce begins to thicken and grow rich.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the fresh grated parmesan, black pepper, and garlic powder. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce reaches a creamy, luxurious consistency. This step rounds out the sauce with savory depth and a bit of peppery spice, balancing the heat from the Cajun seasoning perfectly.

Step 6: Cook the Seafood

In a separate skillet, melt some butter over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the jumbo shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on size. Cooking the shrimp separately ensures they’re perfectly tender and nicely seasoned.

Step 7: Combine Seafood and Sauce

Add the cooked shrimp to the creamy sauce and gently fold in the lump crabmeat. Be careful not to break up the crab too much, as the large lumps provide a lovely texture and bursts of flavor. This union combines all the rich, spicy, and fresh components that make this dish special.

Step 8: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve

Finally, toss the drained spaghetti pasta in the creamy seafood sauce until every strand is well coated. This dish is best served immediately while warm and saucy, making every mouthful irresistibly delicious.

How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives brighten the dish and add a splash of green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra parmesan on top adds a final cheesy touch, and a wedge of lemon on the side can provide a zesty freshness that lifts the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty French bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that creamy Cajun sauce, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to highlight the colorful peppers and seafood nestled among the noodles. You can also layer the pasta on a platter and top with whole cooked shrimp and crab clusters for a dramatic seafood feast presentation. For a casual dinner, serve family-style so everyone can dig in and enjoy the creamy goodness together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, though seafood dishes are always best enjoyed fresh. When you’re ready, gently reheat to avoid overcooking the shrimp and crab.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish because the cream sauce and seafood may lose their texture and become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, separate the pasta from the sauce and seafood, freeze each component separately, and combine after reheating, but fresh is truly best.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid the microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp and curdled sauce. Stir gently and reheat just until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta besides spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even penne for a slightly different texture that still carries the creamy Cajun sauce well.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning gives it a pleasant medium heat that can be adjusted. If you prefer mild, use less seasoning or choose a mild Cajun blend. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Can I substitute the seafood with other proteins?

Yes! Chicken or smoked sausage can be delicious alternatives, though the classic flavor comes from the shrimp and crab. If mixing proteins, keep the seafood for that authentic coastal taste.

What if I don’t have lump crabmeat?

Imitation crab can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same texture or sweetness. Fresh or canned lump crabmeat is best to keep that elegant seafood flavor.

How do I make sure the sauce is thick enough?

Sprinkling the flour evenly and gradually adding the liquids while stirring is key to avoiding lumps. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer gently to reduce; if too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way this Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe comes together—rich, flavorful, and loaded with fresh seafood goodness. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night when you want to impress yourself with a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers. So go ahead, gather those ingredients and cook up a dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is a decadent seafood pasta dish combining tender jumbo shrimp and sweet lump crabmeat with a rich, spicy, and creamy Cajun sauce. Vibrant bell peppers and aromatic vegetables are sautéed and mixed into a luscious parmesan-infused cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for seafood lovers craving a flavorful and comforting meal in just 45 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1 rib celery, sliced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped

Seafood

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1/2 pound lump crabmeat

Pantry & Dairy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 pound spaghetti pasta
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped onion, and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Cajun Seasoning and Garlic: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and the chopped garlic over the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste while stirring frequently.
5. Add Liquids Gradually: Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the heavy cream, continuing to stir to create a smooth sauce.
6. Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder to the sauce. Stir gently and simmer the sauce on low heat until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Cook the Shrimp: In a separate skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, then cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
8. Combine Seafood with Sauce: Add the cooked shrimp into the creamy Cajun sauce, gently folding them in. Carefully fold in the lump crabmeat, being mindful to keep the crab from breaking apart too much.
9. Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the drained spaghetti pasta to the skillet with the creamy seafood sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melt quality.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
• Be gentle when folding in crabmeat to preserve its texture.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on preferred spice level.
• If lump crabmeat is unavailable, canned crab can be substituted but fresh is preferable.
• Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun