Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Cajun Salmon Rigatoni, a creamy pasta dish that combines perfectly seared salmon with a zesty Cajun sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is suitable for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, showcasing a delightful blend of spices that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. With its luxurious creamy texture and bold flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound salmon (skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
- Additional Cajun seasoning
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni: Boil salted water in a large pot, add rigatoni, and cook until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Sear the salmon: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add seasoned salmon cubes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese, cream cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked rigatoni and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Gently fold in the seared salmon.
- Serve: Dish out into bowls or plates and garnish with parsley and additional parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 135mg