Recipe: Spicy Cajun Seafood Pasta

Seafood always makes a great combination with pasta… this recipe is gloriously rich and with the cheeses, has a beautiful smooth flavor… the heat from the paprika, black pepper and the red pepper flakes makes a wonderful contrast in flavors.

I came across this recipe recently and liked it… I altered it slightly. I use far less crushed red pepper flakes than the original recipe called for. If you like things really spicy… do a taste test and add more until it has the right amount of heat for you.

The original recipe called for raw shrimp… I find it easier to buy cooked shrimp… all I had to do is gently pull off the tails. I did buy raw scallops, they cook quickly and have no problem cooking in the sauce.

This can be served with any type of pasta, I used fettuccine. It is absolutely delicious.

Spicy Cajun Seafood Pasta Recipe:

All you need:

2 cups heavy cream (whipping cream)
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne
1 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup parsley, chopped
½ pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ pound scallops
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 pound fettuccine, cooked according to package directions

All you have to do:

While you cook the fettuccine, you can start the sauce.

Pour the cream into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until just about boiling.

Reduce heat and add herbs, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne, green onions and parsley.

Simmer for 7 to 8 minutes or until thickened.

Stir in the seafood and cook until the scallops are cooked… about 5 minutes.

Stir in the cheeses until well blended.

Pour sauce over pasta and serve.