Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta Recipe

If you love seafood with a spicy, creamy twist, you are absolutely going to adore this Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta. This dish is a celebration of rich, buttery lobster and succulent shrimp perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, all tossed in a luscious, velvety cream sauce and wrapped around tender pasta. Every bite delivers a fantastic balance of heat, creaminess, and fresh ocean flavors, making it an impressive yet approachable meal to whip up any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward and well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from adding depth and spice to bringing creamy texture and bright color that makes the dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

• 250 g fettuccine or linguine pasta: These noodles hold the sauce beautifully, with just the right bite.
• 250 g shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp give a tender, sweet seafood flavor.
• 200 g lobster meat (tails or claws, chopped): The star ingredient for a luxurious touch and rich ocean goodness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing seafood to a perfect golden finish.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness that elevates the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides pungent warmth and fragrance.
• 1 small onion, finely diced: Builds a savory flavor base.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a dreamy, creamy texture.
• ½ cup chicken or seafood broth: Adds an umami depth and helps balance the creaminess.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Melted into the sauce for sharp, nutty notes.
• 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste): Brings that signature Cajun heat and complexity.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky counterpoint to the spices.
• ½ tsp salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and color.
• Lemon wedges (for serving): The perfect fresh acidity to cut through the richness.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your fettuccine or linguine pasta until al dente, meaning it still has a little bite and won’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta but reserve about half a cup of the pasta water — it will come in handy for loosening the sauce later.

Step 2: Season the Seafood

While the pasta cooks, toss the shrimp and lobster meat with half of your Cajun seasoning. This preps the seafood for maximum flavor when it hits the pan, ensuring those iconic Cajun spices are infused right from the start.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp and Lobster

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the seasoned shrimp and lobster. Sear them until they’re just cooked through—this usually takes just a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook, or the seafood will become rubbery. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside temporarily.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Using the same skillet, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes—this step releases their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful foundation. Then stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, tossing them around to awaken the spices and toast them slightly without burning.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken or seafood broth followed by the heavy cream. Let this simmer gently, allowing the liquids to reduce and thicken slightly, which concentrates the flavors and improves the sauce’s texture. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese last—we want it to melt slowly into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each strand in the rich sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, don’t hesitate to splash in some of the reserved pasta water—it always rescues the sauce to the perfect consistency and helps everything blend seamlessly.

Step 7: Return the Seafood

Gently fold the seared shrimp and lobster back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Let everything simmer together for another couple of minutes to meld the flavors, giving your Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta that irresistible, cohesive taste.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon just before eating brightens the dish perfectly, balancing the cream and spices with fresh zing.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a vibrant green contrast and a burst of fresh flavor. Lemon wedges are a must-have, letting each person customize the tangy brightness to their liking. For an extra pop, consider a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a light dusting of additional parmesan cheese just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish can easily star all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus pairs beautifully. Garlic bread is another excellent choice to mop up the creamy, spicy sauce and add a satisfying crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancy dinner or entertaining guests, serve the Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a sprig of parsley and a perfectly placed lemon wedge. You can even sprinkle a few lightly toasted breadcrumbs on top for an unexpected texture twist. This thoughtful presentation makes the vibrant colors and textures pop, inviting everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the pasta and sauce together to maintain the flavors, but if you want to keep the seafood more tender, you can store it separately and combine before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s better to freeze just the sauce and seafood separately from the pasta to avoid the noodles turning mushy. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for the best taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can unevenly cook the seafood and alter the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and lobster for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly overnight in the fridge and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can dilute the sauce.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?

The heat level can vary by brand, but this recipe balances the spices with creamy elements. If you prefer milder flavors, start with less Cajun seasoning and adjust to your taste as you cook.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?

You can try half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, but keep in mind that this might result in a thinner sauce that is less rich and velvety.

What kind of pasta works best for Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta?

Fettuccine and linguine are ideal because their flat, wide shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other long pasta varieties you love.

Is it okay to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients like chopping garlic and onions or seasoning the seafood a few hours in advance, but it’s best to cook and combine everything fresh for the most vibrant flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Shrimp & Lobster Pasta is truly a dish that brings a taste of southern charm and coastal luxury to your table. Its creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned seafood, and delightful pasta make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a fantastic way to enjoy rich, bold flavors that feel indulgent yet comforting at heart.

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