Description
Indulge in the creamy, spicy goodness of Cajun Salmon Rigatoni. This easy-to-make dish features perfectly seared salmon cubes in a rich Cajun-infused sauce, making for a satisfying, flavorful pasta meal. #CajunRecipes #SalmonPasta #CreamyPasta #EasyDinnerIdeas #HighProteinMeals #SeafoodPasta #HealthyDinner #PastaRecipes #DinnerIdeas #ComfortFood
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
For the Salmon:
- 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
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 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
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10–12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- For the Salmon: Toss the salmon cubes with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted and sizzling, add salmon cubes and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer salmon to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- For the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt butter, and add garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, then add Parmesan, cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Whisk until cream cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches desired consistency (about ¼ cup).
- Top with the seared salmon and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg