Name: Cajun Salmon Rigatoni
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 lb salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes, patted dry; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups (357 g) heavy whipping cream; 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish); 4 oz cream cheese, cubed; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper; Chopped parsley, for garnish

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If you’re craving a comforting, cozy pasta dish that packs a bold, flavorful punch—this Cajun Salmon Rigatoni is calling your name. Think creamy, spicy, smoky sauce coating every bite of tender rigatoni, tossed with flaky, perfectly seasoned salmon. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent, but it’s so simple to pull together. Whether it’s a date-night-in, a weeknight win, or you’re just feeling fancy, this one’s a total game-changer. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

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Why You’ll Love Cajun Salmon Rigatoni

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.

Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.

Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cajun Salmon Rigatoni

Here’s the beauty of this pasta—it’s got flair, but it’s still approachable. Let’s break it down:

Salmon Fillets: Rich and flaky, salmon soaks up the spicy Cajun seasoning beautifully. It’s the protein hero that gives this pasta dish its signature depth.

Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges on rigatoni are perfect for catching every bit of creamy sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and holds up beautifully.

Heavy Cream: The base of that luscious, velvety sauce. It brings all the spicy, smoky, and savory flavors together.

Cajun Seasoning: The real MVP. Smoky, spicy, and a little sweet—this seasoning gives the dish its bold character.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich layer to the creamy sauce. Don’t skip it—it makes everything pop.

Garlic: Because what’s a savory pasta dish without it? Garlic brings aromatic depth that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Butter & Olive Oil: Used for pan-searing the salmon and building a rich, silky sauce.

Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything up and gives a hint of freshness to the richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. A hot pan gives the salmon a nice sear and helps bring out that delicious flavor.

Season and Cook the Salmon: Pat your salmon dry and rub it with Cajun seasoning. Add oil and butter to the pan, then cook the salmon until golden and flaky. Remove it and set aside—you’ll flake it into the pasta later.

Boil the Pasta: In the meantime, cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for the sauce.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a touch more butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in more Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer and thicken slightly.

Combine the Goodness: Toss in the cooked pasta and gently fold in the flaked salmon. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and stir until everything is coated in creamy perfection.

Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up while it’s hot! Every bite is creamy, spicy, and perfectly cozy.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 590

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cajun Salmon Rigatoni

This dish is bold and rich, so it pairs well with lighter, fresh sides to balance the meal:

Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette is a perfect, zesty companion.

Crusty Bread: Use it to mop up every drop of that dreamy sauce. Garlic bread makes it even better.

Roasted Veggies: Think asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini to add color and texture.

As a Standalone: This pasta doesn’t need anything—it’s filling and fabulous all on its own.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Season and refrigerate the salmon ahead of time to speed things up during dinner prep.

Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.

Lighten It Up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.

Double the Batch: Great for meal prep or freezing. Just keep the sauce and pasta separate until reheating.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti will work just fine.

Q2: What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
A2: You can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

Q3: Can I use canned salmon?
A3: Yes, just drain it well and flake it in gently at the end.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
A4: You sure can! Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Q5: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-frying?
A5: Definitely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, then flake it in.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q7: Can I freeze this dish?
A7: Yes! Freeze the sauce and salmon separately for best texture.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A8: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A9: Go for it! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are great choices.

Q10: Can I use shrimp instead of salmon?
A10: Absolutely—shrimp works beautifully with Cajun seasoning and creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Cajun Salmon Rigatoni is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar—bold, creamy, comforting, and just the right amount of fancy. It’s one of those meals you’ll crave again and again, and once you try it, you’ll see why. So go ahead, grab that rigatoni and fire up the skillet—dinner’s about to get delicious.