Cajun Seafood Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a harmonious blend of creamy textures and spicy notes, making it a standout meal. The combination of shrimp and scallops provides a delightful seafood medley, while the Cajun seasoning adds a zesty kick. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper (or to taste)
• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ pound scallops
• ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the fettuccine until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain the pasta.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, pour the heavy cream and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is just about boiling. Reduce the heat and add the green onions, parsley, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and white pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, approximately 7 to 8 minutes.

3. Add Seafood: Stir in the shrimp and scallops. Cook until the shrimp are no longer translucent.

4. Incorporate Cheeses: Add the shredded Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Combine with Pasta: Serve the sauce over the cooked fettuccine pasta.

6. Serve: Enjoy your Cajun Seafood Pasta hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute shrimp and scallops with other seafood like crab meat or lobster. Alternatively, use chicken or sausage for a different protein profile.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice tolerance.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as oregano or tarragon to alter the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce's consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce to enhance the heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute it with linguine, penne, or any pasta of your choice.

Is it possible to make this dish without cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a thickening agent like cornstarch.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

It's best to prepare and serve this dish fresh to maintain the optimal texture of the seafood and pasta.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

After draining, toss the pasta with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce's potential to separate upon reheating.

What can I serve with Cajun Seafood Pasta?

A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement this dish well.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, ensure the seafood is properly thawed and drained before cooking.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and form a "C" shape when cooked. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming tough.

Can I adjust the amount of cheese?

Feel free to adjust the quantities of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Cajun Seafood Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of seafood with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning. Its creamy texture and spicy kick make it a favorite among seafood lovers. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Cajun Seafood Pasta

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This creamy and spicy Cajun Seafood Pasta features succulent shrimp and tender scallops in a rich, flavorful sauce, served over fettuccine noodles. The bold Cajun seasoning brings a zesty kick to the creamy base, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a hearty dinner or special occasion, this pasta is full of flavor and easy to make.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper (or to taste)
• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ pound scallops
• ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the fettuccine until tender but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
• Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, pour the heavy cream and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it’s almost boiling. Reduce heat and add green onions, parsley, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and white pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, approximately 7-8 minutes.
• Add Seafood: Stir in shrimp and scallops. Cook until shrimp is no longer translucent.
• Incorporate Cheeses: Add shredded Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.
• Combine with Pasta: Serve the sauce over the cooked fettuccine pasta.
• Serve: Enjoy your Cajun Seafood Pasta hot.

Notes

• Protein Alternatives: Swap shrimp and scallops for crab meat, lobster, chicken, or sausage.
• Spice Level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
• Herbs: Experiment with oregano or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.