Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta Alfredo Recipe
This Creamy Salmon with Pasta Alfredo and Cajun recipe combines tender Cajun-seasoned salmon with a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce infused with garlic, cayenne, and herbs. Served over your choice of pasta, this flavorful and comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal that’s both satisfying and elegant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice
Salmon
- 3/4 pound salmon fillet
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro (substitute dried oregano if necessary)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups 2% or whole milk
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the Salmon: Lightly season the salmon fillet with Cajun seasoning. You can either cook it on the stovetop for 3-5 minutes per side over medium heat until the fish is slightly rare in the center, or bake it in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, shred the salmon into approximately 2-inch pieces.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: While the pasta and salmon are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste (roux). Slowly pour in the milk about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. If lumps appear, press them with the back of a fork and continue stirring. Add the garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried cilantro (or oregano), and kosher salt. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce becomes bubbly and thick.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce and reduce the heat to medium-low. Mix until the cheese melts completely. Gently fold the shredded salmon into the sauce, taking care not to break the pieces further.
- Serve: Serve the creamy salmon Alfredo sauce over the cooked pasta, or add the pasta directly into the skillet and gently toss to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Dried cilantro can be substituted with dried oregano if unavailable, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
- The sauce can be made with either 2% or whole milk depending on your preference for richness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- To ensure the salmon remains moist, avoid overcooking it.
