Succulent prawns and tender flakes of pan-seared salmon meet hearty rigatoni in this creamy, Cajun-spiced pasta dish. The sauce ties everything together with a base of garlic-infused cream and tangy tomato purée, balanced by the fresh bite of wilted pak choi or spinach. It is a satisfying way to bring a touch of restaurant-style seafood pasta into your home kitchen with minimal fuss.
You will love how the Cajun seasoning cuts through the richness of the parmesan cream sauce, while the optional red chili adds just enough heat to keep each bite interesting. Because the salmon is finished with a reserved drizzle of that spiced sauce, every forkful remains moist and intensely flavorful.
This makes for an excellent choice when you want a weeknight dinner that feels a bit more special than standard pasta. The combination of textures—from the snap of the prawns to the al dente pasta and silky sauce—creates a balanced meal that is as functional as it is enjoyable to eat.
Read Full StoryKey Ingredients
- Salmon: Pan-seared fillets served atop the pasta and drizzled with a rich sauce.
- Shrimp: Quickly fried protein incorporated into the pasta for a seafood-heavy dish.
- Rigatoni Pasta: The main carbohydrate base that holds the creamy Cajun-spiced sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Forms the thick, velvety foundation of the spicy sauce base.
- Pak Choi: A crisp green vegetable added to provide freshness and texture.
- Cajun Seasoning: Provides the essential spicy, bold profile for both the proteins and the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, salty depth and helps thicken the creamy pasta sauce.
- Tomato Purée: Contributes to the color and savory acidity of the creamy sauce base.
More Seafood and Comfort Pasta Inspirations
- If you want to keep the seafood theme going, try this creamy smoked salmon pasta that uses spinach for a touch of greens.
- For a completely different texture, our tangy yogurt-based pasta provides a cooling, savory contrast to the heat of a kitchen.
- If you are looking for a unique fusion dish, this Middle Eastern-inspired pasta plate reimagines traditional dumplings into an easy, approachable dinner.
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