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Featured image of a creamy and delicious Cajun Shrimp Crab Pasta dish, showcasing its vibrant colors and tempting ingredients.

Cajun Shrimp Crab Pasta Ultimate

This Cajun Shrimp Crab Pasta is a delightful symphony of flavors, balancing spice, richness, and the delicate sweetness of seafood. Searing the shrimp and carefully emulsifying the creamy sauce are key to achieving a restaurant-quality dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 pound pasta linguine, fettuccine, or penne
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper red or green
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning.
  3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and remaining Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat. Heat through.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Offer lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preference. Searing the shrimp enhances their flavor. Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency. Gently fold in the crab to prevent it from shredding. For a richer sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.