Description
Rich, spicy, and luxuriously creamy, this Creamy Cajun Crab Pasta is a seafood lover’s dream come true. Tender crab meat is tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and smothered in a bold Cajun-spiced cream sauce that brings the heat and flavor. It’s a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a special weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent and delicious.
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Ingredients
For the Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta
Salted water (for boiling)
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small shallot, finely diced (or ¼ cup onion)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
½ cup chicken or seafood broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
For the Crab:
8 oz lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained and picked over for shells)
1 tbsp butter (for finishing)
Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Extra Cajun seasoning or lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
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In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
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Add diced shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce
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Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
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Pour in the heavy cream and broth, and stir to combine.
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Simmer for 3–5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the Crab & Pasta
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Gently fold in the crab meat and 1 tbsp of butter, warming through for 2–3 minutes.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
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Plate the pasta and top with chopped parsley or green onions.
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Add a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning or a squeeze of lemon juice for a final flavor pop.
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Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
Use Good-Quality Crab – Fresh or refrigerated lump crab meat offers the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Crab – Just heat it through to avoid a rubbery texture.
Balance the Spice – Cajun seasoning can vary, so start small and adjust to taste.
Reserve Pasta Water – It helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Make it Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use less Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired American