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Cajun Salmon Pasta

This is a solid weeknight dinner that looks way fancier than the effort it takes - spicy salmon with creamy tomato sauce over pasta. The key is getting a good sear on the salmon before building the sauce in the same pan.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients (~8 servings)

  • 6 salmon filets
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 bell peppers diced
  • 6 garlic cloves diced
  • 6 oz tomato paste 1 can
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 large lemon juiced and zested
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • ~1 1/2 lbs penne pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Boil salted water and cook penne according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  • Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning.
  • Heat butter and olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon skin-side down and cook 4 minutes without moving.
  • Flip salmon and cook 4-6 minutes until it flakes easily and reaches 145F. Remove to a plate.
  • Add onions and bell peppers to the same pan and cook 4 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook 3-4 minutes until darkened.
  • Turn heat to low and add remaining Cajun seasoning. Pour in heavy cream slowly, stirring constantly.
  • Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
  • Remove from heat. Add spinach and Parmesan, stirring until wilted and melted.
  • Stir in lemon juice and zest, then add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to thin sauce.
  • Add cooked penne to sauce and toss to coat.
  • Break salmon into large chunks and gently fold into pasta.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & let me know!