If you’re craving the rich indulgence of Alfredo pasta and the irresistible appeal of fresh seafood, this Cajun-Style Seafood Alfredo with Lobster, Crab, and Salmon will blow you away. Creamy, spicy, and overflowing with tender chunks of premium seafood, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, cook up a special date-night dinner, or simply treat yourself to restaurant-quality seafood at home, this decadent recipe is packed with bold flavor and indulgent textures you’ll love.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Alfredo
- Three types of premium seafood — Lobster, crab, and salmon come together in one pan for a luxurious bite every time.
- Creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce — Silky and bold with just the right amount of heat.
- Versatile and customizable — Choose fettuccine or penne, adjust the heat level, or substitute your favorite seafood.
- Dinner-party worthy — Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.
Who This Recipe Is For
If you’re someone who enjoys elevated comfort food with a spicy twist, this recipe is for you. It’s perfect for seafood lovers, pasta enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a meal that’s both decadent and soul-satisfying. This dish is a great way to impress without stress — it comes together in under an hour with simple, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
🐟 Seafood
- 1 lobster tail, cooked and chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into chunks
🍝 Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
🧄 Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
🌿 Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
💧 Optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Ladle or measuring cup for pasta water
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, and set both aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta. It’ll finish absorbing flavor when tossed in the sauce.
2. Prepare the Seafood
Lobster
Boil the lobster tail in salted water for 5–7 minutes, or until the shell turns bright red. Remove the meat, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
Salmon
Season the salmon chunks with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Crab
Ensure your lump crab meat is free of shells. No cooking required — it will warm in the sauce.
3. Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to bloom for 30 seconds. Then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with black pepper, salt to taste, and lemon juice if using.
Adjusting Consistency: Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
4. Combine Seafood and Sauce
Gently fold in the lobster, crab, and cooked salmon into the Alfredo sauce. Heat through for 2–3 minutes, stirring carefully to avoid breaking up the seafood.
5. Assemble the Dish
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired creaminess.
6. Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and seafood mixture in shallow bowls. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Pair with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a light side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Shrimp instead of lobster – More affordable but still delicious.
- Use scallops for an elegant touch.
- Switch to linguine or rigatoni for a twist on pasta texture.
- Make it gluten-free with GF pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free.
- Add veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving seafood too long — it can become rubbery.
Not freezer-friendly — cream sauces and seafood don’t freeze well together.
Pairing Suggestions
Make this meal extra special by pairing with:
🍷 Drinks
- A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced tea with a hint of citrus
🍽 Sides
- Warm, buttery garlic bread
- Arugula salad with vinaigrette
- Grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the seafood and sauce ahead, but for the best texture, combine and serve fresh.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the Cajun seasoning. Adjust the spice level by using less or adding a dash of cayenne if you like it hotter.
Can I use pre-cooked seafood?
Yes — just fold it into the sauce and heat through gently to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best pasta shape for this?
Fettuccine or penne both work beautifully. Choose one that holds onto the sauce well.
Ready to Wow Your Tastebuds?
This Cajun-Style Seafood Alfredo brings restaurant-level flavor to your home kitchen in just 40 minutes. Creamy, spicy, and loaded with tender seafood, it’s a true celebration on a plate.
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