Cajun Lobster, Crab, and Salmon Alfredo Recipe, Indulge in the ultimate seafood pasta dish with this decadent Cajun Lobster, Crab, and Salmon Alfredo. Perfect for seafood lovers, this luxurious meal combines succulent lobster, tender crab, and flavorful salmon, all tossed in a creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce. The rich, buttery flavors of the seafood complement the zesty Cajun seasoning, while the Parmesan-based Alfredo sauce ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients :
- 1 lobster tail, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 lb crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation :
Step 1:
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. For best results, cook the pasta al dente to give it a slight bite, which holds up well to the creamy sauce.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Season the salmon chunks with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is fully cooked and has a golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4:
Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Slowly add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped lobster, crab meat, and cooked salmon chunks to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the seafood evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Be careful not to over-stir, as the seafood is delicate.
Step 6:
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and the seafood is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning if desired.
Step 7:
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the pasta hot, straight from the skillet for the best experience.
Cooking Note :
- Cajun Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of seasoning or substitute with a milder blend.
- Seafood Options: You can substitute other types of seafood based on availability. Shrimp, scallops, or even white fish would work beautifully in this dish.
Serving Suggestions :
- Pair this luxurious pasta with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- A crusty baguette or garlic bread makes for a wonderful side to soak up the extra sauce.
Tips :
- Prepping Seafood: Make sure to thoroughly check the crab meat for any stray shells before adding it to the dish. This ensures a smooth, enjoyable texture.
- Pasta Cooking: When cooking the pasta, reserve a small cup of pasta water. If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, you can use the pasta water to thin it out while keeping the flavor intact.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQs :
Q: Can I use pre-cooked seafood for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked seafood, especially if you’re short on time. Just add the pre-cooked lobster, crab, and salmon at the end when tossing the pasta in the sauce to avoid overcooking.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. For a lighter option, you could also use whole milk, but you may need to add extra Parmesan cheese to help thicken the sauce.
Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Note that the flavor will change slightly with these substitutions.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta, and ensure that all other ingredients, such as Cajun seasoning, are gluten-free.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spiciness of the dish depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. You can reduce or increase the spice level by adjusting the Cajun seasoning to your preference.
Conclusion :
This Cajun Lobster, Crab, and Salmon Alfredo is a seafood lover’s dream, with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce enveloping fresh, tender seafood and fettuccine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a weeknight treat, this pasta dish delivers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The zesty Cajun spice brings warmth, while the Parmesan Alfredo sauce offers creamy decadence. Don’t forget to adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and enjoy the luxurious blend of lobster, crab, and salmon in every bite!