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Cajun Crab Pasta Recipe

Cajun Crab Pasta Recipe: Creamy Comfort for Seafood Lovers

Cajun Crab Pasta Recipe offers creamy comfort with a flavorful Cajun kick, ideal for seafood lovers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun, Seafood
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Fettuccine or Linguine
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Or substitute with olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped sweet onion
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Adjust for heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream for dairy-free option
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian version
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
For the Seafood
  • 1 cup Lump Crab Meat Substitute with shrimp or chicken if desired
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Chopped

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Colander
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  4. Create the Sauce Base: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Add grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice to the sauce, stirring until smooth. Let thicken for another 5-7 minutes.
  6. Fold in the Crab: Gently fold in lump crab meat and let it warm in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for optimal flavor. The sauce can be prepared in advance, just add crab and pasta before serving.

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