Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce – A Decadent, Flavorful Seafood Dish

This Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is the ultimate indulgence—a deliciously creamy pasta dish packed with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a rich, zesty Cajun sauce. The combination of seafood and spices is nothing short of luxurious, making it a perfect meal for a special dinner or a date night at home. With a bold blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and cream, this dish brings layers of flavor that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed – The creamy Cajun sauce adds a rich, spicy kick to the seafood.

• Seafood lovers’ dream – A perfect mix of shrimp and crab with smooth, creamy pasta.

• Easy to make – A simple yet elegant dish that can be made in under 30 minutes.

• Comforting and indulgent – Rich, creamy sauce with a bit of heat from the Cajun spices.

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Ingredient Overview: What You’ll Need

Shrimp

Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice bite to the dish.

Crab Meat

Use lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture. You can use fresh or canned crab meat, depending on availability.

Pasta

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne works well. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

Heavy Cream

This is the base of the creamy Cajun sauce, giving it richness and smoothness.

Cajun Seasoning

A flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper adds the signature spice. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own.

Garlic & Shallots

These aromatics form the flavor base of the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan helps thicken the sauce and adds depth of flavor.

Butter & Olive Oil

Used for sautéing the shrimp and crab, along with making the sauce rich and creamy.

Lemon Juice

A touch of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.

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How to Make Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne) according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Cook the Shrimp

• While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add 1 lb shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

• Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.

• Add 1 shallot (minced) and 3 cloves garlic (minced).

• Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and soft.

4. Make the Cajun Sauce

• Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp paprika, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) to the skillet.

• Stir to coat the shallots and garlic with the spices.

• Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

• Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

• Stir in ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce further.

• Add 1–2 tbsp lemon juice for a touch of acidity.

5. Add the Crab and Combine

• Gently fold in 1 cup lump crab meat and the cooked shrimp.

• Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes, being careful not to break up the crab meat.

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese if desired.

• You can also add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Best Flavor

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly, so remove it from the skillet as soon as it turns pink and opaque.

• Adjust the spice level – If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

• Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Canned crab can work in a pinch, but fresh crab has a richer taste.

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.

• Creamy Version: Add cream cheese or a splash of half-and-half for an extra creamy texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or drizzle some hot sauce for extra heat.

Substitutions

• No shrimp? Use scallops or chicken breast as a substitute.

• No crab? Substitute with more shrimp or use lobster meat for a luxurious twist.

• Dairy-Free? Use coconut cream or almond cream and a dairy-free cheese for the sauce.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is perfect for:

• Special occasions like date night or a family dinner.

• Weeknight dinners that feel indulgent yet easy.

• Meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for lunch or dinner.

Serve with:

• A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple lemon wedge.

• Garlic bread or keto bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition.

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Nutritional & Health Benefits

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, 4 servings total):

• Calories: 500–550

• Protein: 35–40g

• Fat: 25–30g

• Carbs: 35–40g (depending on pasta choice)

• Fiber: 3–4g

Nutritional Highlights:

• Shrimp: Low in fat and high in protein, packed with important minerals like selenium and iodine.

• Crab: A great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create the velvety sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning: Provides antioxidants from spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp, crab, and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta and combine everything fresh to preserve texture and flavor.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

3. Can I make this dish without pasta?

Yes! You can serve the shrimp and crab mixture over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

4. Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper, add hot sauce, or serve with a spicy garnish for an extra kick.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute coconut cream or almond cream for heavy cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

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