Description
This Cajun Salmon Pasta features perfectly seared salmon cooked in a creamy, tangy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Dijon mustard, and zesty Cajun seasoning. Tossed with al dente pasta and optionally garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, this dish is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
Salmon
- 1/2 pound fresh salmon
- Flour (for dredging, approximately 2 tablespoons)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Fresh basil, torn (to taste, optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Start preparing the sauce when the pasta has about 10 minutes left to cook.
- Prepare Salmon: Lightly season the salmon with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour, coating evenly on all sides.
- Sear Salmon: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter until melted and hot. Cook the salmon for 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- Remove Salmon and Reduce Heat: Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside. Lower the stove heat to medium to prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard to the pan. Stir constantly and cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Stir the sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Cook Salmon in Sauce: Return the salmon to the pan and gently break it up with your spoon. Simmer for a few more minutes until the fish is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in fresh basil during the last minute if using.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Drain the cooked pasta, then toss it with the creamy salmon sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can swap the salmon for another firm fish like cod or trout if preferred.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for flavor; drain excess oil before using.
- Fresh basil adds a nice herbal brightness but is optional.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
