Cajun Salmon Pasta is a savory and satisfying dish that combines tender salmon with a creamy, spicy sauce over perfectly cooked rotini. This recipe balances the rich flavors of Cajun seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and white wine to create a delicious and easy-to-make meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is a great way to enjoy salmon in a new and exciting way.
Homemade Cajun Salmon Pasta
This Cajun Salmon Pasta recipe is a flavorful fusion of tender salmon, creamy sauce, and Cajun spices. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and white wine adds depth and richness to the dish. The creamy sauce clings to the rotini, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of spice and a lot of flavor in their meals.
This recipe uses freshly grilled Coho (Silver) salmon. You can use any type of salmon for this recipe, but please make sure it is fresh and try to avoid farm-raised fish if at all possible. We’ve also made this with King (Chinook) salmon, like the one pictured below.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Flavorful Combination: The Cajun seasoning, salmon, and sun-dried tomatoes create a deliciously complex taste.
- Creamy Sauce: The heavy cream and white wine make a rich and luxurious sauce.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to follow.
- Versatile: Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
- Nutritious: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provides a healthy protein source.
Cajun Salmon Pasta shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Rotini
- Salmon Filet
- Cajun Seasoning
- Butter
- Chopped Onion
- Sliced Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Chopped Garlic
- White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio preferred)
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
- Pasta Water
- Heavy Cream
Try our Grilled King Salmon Recipe
How to make Cajun Salmon Pasta
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- Prepare the Salmon: Remove the skin from the salmon and cut it into cubes. Season with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
- Saute the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter and saute onions and sun-dried tomatoes until translucent. Add garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in white wine and reduce. Add parsley, pasta water, and heavy cream. Simmer and add salmon.
- Combine and Serve: Mix in pasta and simmer briefly. Serve hot.
FAQ
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately and combine just before serving, reheating the sauce and pasta together.
What variations can I try?
You can substitute shrimp or chicken for salmon. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or additional vegetables.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option.
Serve this with…
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Cajun Salmon Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini
- 16 ounces salmon filet
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1 cup white wine (Sav Blanc or Pinot Grigio preferred)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Put a pot of well-salted water on to boil. Remove the skin from the salmon by placing it skin-side up on a rack placed over a cookie sheet. Pour a little simmering water over the skin of the fish until the skin peels off easily.
- Boil the pasta in the water until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Cut the salmon into cubes, season with half the cajun seasoning blend, and set aside.
- In a large, high-sided skillet, melt your butter and saute the onions and the sun-dried tomatoes. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent.
- Add the garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning and sautè for 2 minutes.
- Pour the white wine into the pan and let cook down for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the parsley, pasta water, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and add in the salmon chunks. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes.
- Mix in the pasta and let simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot.