Fettuccine noodles coated in an ultra creamy Cajun parmesan sauce with tender salmon. An amazing dinner in 20 minutes!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Aside from boiling the pasta, this recipe is made in one pan. Perfectly al dente noodles are tossed in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
First, we cook the salmon in olive oil and butter. Then in the same pan, we sauté the garlic and onions, followed by deglazing the pan with chicken broth and cream.
The delicious fond is picked up to create a flavorful sauce. Then, we nestle in some spinach for some added nutrients and color.
This is a wholesome meal in itself so you don't need to pair it with any side dishes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are a few ideas if you need to substitute some ingredients.
- Salmon- make this with chicken, shrimp, or another fish like tilapia.
- Onion- red onion or shallots will also work.
- Heavy cream- or half and half. Or combine equal parts whole milk and heavy cream.
- Chicken broth- or reserved pasta water.
- Parmesan cheese- pecorino romano or asiago cheese can work.
- Spinach- kale or peas would be yum. You can also add in cooked broccoli or zucchini.
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet on medium heat and add olive oil and 1 tb butter. Coat the salmon with 1 tb Cajun seasoning and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tb butter and onions. Saute for a few minutes then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add in heavy cream and chicken broth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer then add in remaining Cajun seasoning and parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the spinach and pasta and cook for another minute until the spinach is wilted. Top with salmon and more parm!
Tasty Tips
- Use fresh pasta. If you have some time, make your own pasta! I have an amazing homemade pasta recipe. Once you try it, it'll be hard to go back to regular boxed pasta.
- Don't skimp on the heavy cream and cheese. This is a rich pasta recipe and these two ingredients are essential to make a delicious pan sauce.
- Let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken the sauce. At first it will look watery but the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Check if your Cajun seasoning has salt and adjust accordingly.
More Pasta Recipes You'll Love
Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta
Fettuccine noodles coated in an ultra creamy Cajun parmesan sauce with tender salmon. An amazing dinner in 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh fettuccine pasta or 8 oz dried
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter divided
- 4 portions salmon 6 oz each
- ½ onion minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoon Cajun seasoning divided, see note
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup spinach packed
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet on medium heat. Add olive oil and 1 tb butter. Coat the salmon with 1 tb Cajun seasoning and cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side. Salmon is cooked when it reaches 145°F and is flakey on the inside. Set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tb butter and onions. Sauté for 2 minutes then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add in heavy cream and chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add in remaining 2 tb Cajun seasoning and parmesan cheese and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Toss in spinach and cooked pasta and cook for 1 minute until the spinach is wilted. Top with salmon and more parmesan cheese. Happy nomming!
Notes
- Salt levels in Cajun seasonings will vary depending on brands and homemade versions. Adjust according to your taste.
- Check out my Homemade Pasta Recipe.
- Let the pasta and sauce sit for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the pasta to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 678kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 9gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 902mgPotassium: 587mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4644IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 235mgIron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @beyondthenoms on Instagram and hashtag #beyondthenoms so I can see your creations!
Joan says
So tasty and tender! This is one of the easiest recipes, so it’s become a weeknight go-to dinner.
John says
The dish was very tasty and a break from our traditional ways of serving salmon. It was also a very easy meal to prepare. (I watched my wife)!
Ash says
It was very salty! I would just do two tbsp of Cajun seasoning 1 to season the salmon and the other to add to the cream sauce.
Jenny says
Hi Ash- Salt levels vary depending on the Cajun seasoning used. Hope you try it again!
Kristy says
This has become one of our family favorite meals! Quick, easy, and delicious! I do add steamed broccoli.
Rhianna says
delish! just cooked this for a family of 4 (including two picky kids) and everyone had seconds! i added some paprika and lemon mix too to go with the salmon, and served with a side of garlic and chilli tenderstem broccoli. however i readded the salmon back to the pan before serving. love love love