Here’s a flavor-packed Cajun/Blackened Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo recipe that works for either style. 🌶️🦐🐟
Cajun or Blackened Salmon & Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 salmon fillets (around 150–200g each)
- 250g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 300g fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Tip: For Blackened version, increase Cajun seasoning and sear on high heat for a darker crust.
Instructions
1. Prepare the pasta
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the seafood
- Pat salmon and shrimp dry.
- Rub Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over salmon and shrimp.
3. Cook the seafood
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Salmon: Sear skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, flip, cook 3–4 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Shrimp: In the same skillet, cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Alfredo sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt 1 tbsp butter in the skillet.
- Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream, simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a little extra Cajun if desired.
5. Combine
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Place salmon and shrimp on top.
6. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Optional: sprinkle a little smoked paprika for color and spice.
Variations
- Cajun Style: Medium spice, lightly seared for flavor.
- Blackened Style: High heat, darker crust, bolder spice.
- Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup cream cheese or mascarpone.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
If you want, I can also make a one-skillet version that cooks pasta right in the sauce with the salmon and shrimp — fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
Do you want me to make that version too?
