Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1 rib celery
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 lb spaghetti pasta, cooked
• Salt
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh grated parmesan
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1/2 lb lump crabmeat

Instructions

1. Begin by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Chop the red and yellow bell peppers, onion, and celery rib.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until they begin to soften.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and the chopped garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for another minute.
5. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until the garlic softens and the flour is fully incorporated.
6. Gradually add the reserved pasta water and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
7. Stir in the fresh grated parmesan, black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Reduce the heat to low.
8. In a separate pan, cook the shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning in butter until they turn pink and are cooked through.
9. Add the cooked shrimp to the creamy sauce and stir to combine.
10. Gently fold in the lump crabmeat, being careful not to break it apart too much.
11. Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp and crab sauce over the cooked pasta. Alternatively, you can serve it over rice or grits.
12. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
13. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce!

Serving Tips

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the plated pasta for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Add a Squeeze of Lemon: Enhance the flavors and add a hint of brightness by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the finished dish.
3. Serve with Crusty Bread: Accompany the pasta with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy Cajun sauce.
4. Create a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the pasta dish and add a refreshing element to the meal by serving a side salad with a simple vinaigrette.