Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce
Ingredients:
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb lump crab meat
12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for extra flavor)
Directions:
Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, drain, and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a bowl, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the butter and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Gently fold in the crab meat, shrimp, and cooked fettuccine, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra layer of flavor, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~750 per serving