Description
A flavorful Cajun Salmon Rigatoni featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets tossed in creamy, spicy Cajun sauce with tender rigatoni pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon juice. A quick and delicious meal ready in 30 minutes, combining Cajun spices with creamy parmesan goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pasta
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Salmon: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Salmon: Place seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Melt Cheese and Add Heat: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salmon and Pasta: Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces. Add the salmon and cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and salmon in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the dish hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for best melting and flavor.
- Ensure salmon is not overcooked to maintain moisture and tenderness.
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or other tubular pasta shapes.
- To make it lighter, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, though sauce thickness will reduce slightly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
