Name: Cajun Salmon Pasta (dairy-free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound atlantic salmon (cubed into 1-inch pieces); 1/2 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tbsp cajun seasoning; 1/2 Garlic powder; pinch of Black pepper; pinch of salt; 1 tbsp avocado oil; seasoned salmon; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1/2 cup onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (chopped); 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped); pinch of salt (to season veggies); pinch of black pepper; 1 1/2 tbsp cajun seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup coconut milk (I love Chaokoh brand); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 8 ounces fettucine (cooked); 3/4 cup - 1 cup pasta water; add salmon; 1/4 cup parsley

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Cajun Salmon Pasta is prepared in a spicy creamy sauce made with coconut milk, red bell pepper, and cajun seasoning.

I’m such a sucker for fish, specifically salmon. I loveeeeeeee salmon. Before I dine at any restaurant, I first scope the menu to see if salmon is on the menu. If it is, that’s what I’m ordering.

What’s not to love? Salmon is a great source of protein and it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids. Nothing better than eating delicious and nutritious food.

What is Cajun Salmon Pasta?

Cajun Salmon Pasta is a spicy and delicious pasta dish that’s prepared in a creamy sauce. This dish is flavored with garlic, onions, and red bell peppers. Instead of using heavy cream, I used coconut milk which adds creaminess and richness to this dish without super unhealthy fats.

Throw in some cajun spices, pasta, and salmon, and you’ve got yourself a delicious recipe for Blackened Salmon Pasta that’s dairy-free.

Cajun Salmon Pasta is:

Spicy
Mouthwatering
Full of Flavor
Make a great date night meal (pair with white wine)
Nutritious
Versatile (use shrimp/chicken)
Make it Vegetarian (skip salmon, add more veggies)
Dairy-Free
Gluten-Free option

Ingredients for Cajun Salmon Pasta:

Salmon: I love using Atlantic salmon, but use your favorite kind of salmon. Alternatively, you may also substitute salmon with shrimp or chicken.

Cajun Seasoning: I love Whole Foods Blackened Cajun Spice, however any cajun seasoning will work here. (Here are some good ones – Frontier brand | Fresh Jax | Spice Islands).

Fettuccine Pasta: You may also use spaghetti or linguine. Penne pasta works well too.

Basic Ingredients: Garlic, Onions.

Red Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper is a classic in Cajun cooking. Alternatively, you may use yellow or orange bell peppers, but avoid green bell pepper.

Coconut Milk: Instead of using heavy cream or half n half, I’m using coconut milk here and it works perfectly well. I recommend Chaokoh brand.

Spices: Garlic powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper.

Parsley: Fresh parsley is a must to finish off this dish.

Pasta Water: Pasta water will help create a beautiful creamy sauce and will thin out the coconut milk slightly. You will need 3/4 cup to 1 cup of reserved pasta water, maybe more if you wish.

Cajun Salmon Pasta (dairy-free, gf option)

How to make Cajun Salmon Pasta recipe step by step?

Prep

1. Start by boiling a pot of water.
2. Chop veggies – chop garlic, onions, and red bell pepper.
3. Cube salmon into 1-inch cubes. Add 1/2 tbsp of oil. Season with 1 tbsp cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
4. Mix well.

Cook

1. Heat up a castiron skillet on medium heat, once hot, add 1 tbsp oil. Now add the seasoned salmon. Cook for 4 minutes.
2. Flip and cook for 4 minutes on the other side.
3. Once cooked. Remove salmon from the pan and transfer it to a bowl. Set aside.
4. Go ahead and cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.

5. In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp of oil. Add the onions and cook for a minute.
6. Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Now add the red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
8. Add the spices – 1 1/2 tbsp cajun spice and a pinch of salt. Saute for 30 seconds.

9. Follow that up with 1/4 cup of water. This will prevent the spices from burning. Saute for a minute.
10. Add coconut milk. I love the Chaokoh brand that you can find at the Asian grocery store or Amazon.
11. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes.
12. Add 1/2 tsp of garlic powder. Stir.

13. Now add the cooked pasta.
14. Toss well. Check for salt.
15. Add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of pasta water for a creamy sauce. The coconut milk is quite thick so adding the pasta water will help create a creamy sauce. Toss.
16. Add the salmon back in. Gently toss.
17. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Salmon with Pasta would pair well with a simple salad or a side of roasted veggies. Since this dish is rich, I would go with a side on the lighter side.

Tips on making Cajun Salmon Pasta:

Chop the veggies.
Season the salmon.
Cook the salmon.
Prepare the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta, then salmon.
Garnish with parsley and enjoy your pasta with salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cajun Salmon Pasta recipe dairy-free, gluten-free?

This is dairy-free Salmon Pasta since I used coconut milk in this dish.

For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta.

2. What kind of Cajun Seasoning should I use?

I love Whole Foods 365 Everyday Blackened Cajun Spice. It’s so good.

I also recommend Frontier, Fresh Jax, Spice Islands.

Just make sure that if you’re using cajun seasoning with salt, then be careful with how much salt you add to the actual dish.

3. How do I tone down the spice in this Salmon Pasta?

This dish is SPICY! Cajun Seasoning is quite spicy so be careful with whichever brand you choose. Each brand’s spice level is different so make sure you try it first and see how much you can handle.

If you want to tone down the spice:

In the salmon – use 1/2 tbsp of cajun seasoning instead of 1 tbsp.
In the pasta – omit the paprika altogether. Use 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp of cajun seasoning – this all depends on how spicy your cajun seasoning is. Every brand is different.

4. Can I customize this dish?

Yes! Simply replace the salmon with shrimp or chicken – it works perfectly.

5. I’m a vegetarian, what can I substitute for salmon?

For a vegetarian option, I would add some green bell peppers as well. Add 1/2 a cup of green bell peppers along with the red bell peppers.

I would also add two (maybe three) cups of chopped baby spinach. You’ll want to add the chopped spinach after the coconut milk has warmed up, add the spinach at this time and it’ll wilt within a minute.

Additionally, I would add 1/4 cup of peas – they add color and texture to this dish.

Then throw in your fettuccine and parsley. Toss and enjoy!

6. Other than Fettuccine, what kinds of pasta can I use?

I love Fettuccine Alfredo, so I recommend using fettuccine pasta here.

You can also use spaghetti or linguine – those will work well too.

Penne pasta would work well too, but I find the long and thin-shaped pasta work best.

For a whole wheat option – use whole wheat pasta.

For a gluten-free option – use gluten-free pasta.

7. Does Coconut Milk work just as well as heavy cream?

Yes!

I used Chaokoh brand coconut milk which is thick and creamy. This coconut milk has a very subtle coconut taste.

Furthermore, you do not need heavy cream for this dish because coconut milk does the job by lending that creaminess and richness to the sauce. I promise you won’t be able to taste the coconut either. This recipe is flavored with cajun seasoning so that’s what you’ll be tasting.

Cajun Salmon Pasta (dairy-free, gf option)

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