Cajun Pasta with Salmon (without cream)

Creamy salmon pasta without cream

This will be your new favorite pasta because it is –

• Guilt-free indulgence – tastes rich, but fits a healthy lifestyle.
• Quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights
• Bold Cajun flavors – smoky, spicy, and incredibly satisfying
• High in protein – thanks to perfectly cooked salmon
• Nourishing & wholesome – made with simple, everyday ingredients
• Light yet comforting – all the cozy pasta vibes without the heaviness
• Family-friendly – easy to adjust the spice level

Let’s dive into the recipe:

Ingredients and substitutions

• Salmon: Choose fresh, thick fillets with uniform thickness.
• Pasta: I prefer short tubular like penne or rigatoni which have ridges to trap the amazing sauce. Textured ones like fusilli or orecchiette are also fine.
• Cajun seasoning: Paprika, cayenne, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and salt. You can reduce the quantity of cayenne or omit it completely according to your preference.
• Paprika: I’ve used both smoked and sweet paprika. You can use either one of those.
• Milk: You can either use regular milk or almond milk, if you want to avoid dairy.
• Cashew paste: It is easy to make cashew paste if you have a blender. If not, use 3 tablespoons of cashew butter thinned down with a little water.
• Vegetables: Apart from spinach, you can also use bell peppers.
• Herbs: I used fresh thyme and dried basil and oregano today. Feel free to use either dried or fresh, based on availability.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Freshly grated, optional
• Secret ingredient: Sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of their flavorful oil, which adds incredible depth to the sauce.

How to make Cajun salmon pasta

(You can find the exact measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this page. Here are step-by-step instructions with pictures to help you easily understand the recipe.)

Cajun seasoning blend

It takes just a few minutes to make this seasoning blend. The beauty of this homemade seasoning is that you can customize it according to your taste.

Take all the spices for the Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Mix until you get a uniform mixture.

Season the salmon

Remove the skin from the salmon and cut it into fillets. Spread ½ tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning on all sides of the fillets evenly.

Sprinkle lemon juice on the fillets and keep them aside for a few minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Pan-fry the salmon

Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the salmon on medium-high heat. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes each side until browned on all sides.

Remove salmon from the pan and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes.

Break the fillets into chunks using a fork.

Make creamy no-cream sauce

In the same pan, add finely chopped onions and sauté. Once they turn translucent, add minced garlic and stir.

Chop the sun dried tomatoes and add.

Add the remaining Cajun seasoning to the pan and stir on low flame until you get a nice aroma.

Add fresh thyme.

Add spinach and stir until slightly wilted.

Add milk and crank up the heat. Bring it to a boil.

Make cashew paste either by blending cashews with water or whisking cashew butter with a little water.

Add the cashew paste and lemon zest. Continue cooking on low flame until the sauce starts simmering and comes together.

Add the shredded salmon and stir gently. Your Cajun salmon sauce is ready!

Cook pasta and add

Boil pasta in salted water and drain. (If you want to know how to cook pasta perfectly, use this as a guide.)

Add the oil from sun dried tomatoes to the drained pasta and stir.

Cover the pasta pot and let it rest for a few minutes.

Add the pasta to the sauce and gently stir.

Serve, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, if using.

What to serve with salmon pasta without cream

Fresh, Light Salads

If you’re looking to keep things light and refreshing, these salads add the perfect contrast:

• Try this beet orange salad with citrus dressing for a bright, fresh side that cuts through the richness of the pasta.
• This beet walnut feta salad adds a delicious mix of earthy, crunchy, and tangy flavors that complement the Cajun spices.
• A no-mayo honey mustard coleslaw is always a great choice—crisp, light, and refreshing with just the right amount of zing.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies are my go-to for adding warmth and extra nutrition to the meal:

• These balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots are slightly caramelized and pair beautifully with the bold Cajun flavors.
• Keep it simple with roasted green beans and carrots for an easy, wholesome side.
• For something a bit more hearty, roasted potatoes and broccoli make the meal extra satisfying.

More salmon recipes you’ll love

If you enjoy this Cajun pasta with salmon, here are some more healthy, flavorful salmon recipes from Go Healthy Ever After that are just as easy and delicious:

1. Baked Mediterranean Salmon: Light, fresh, and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
2. Salmon with Mushroom Sauce: A creamy (yet light!) salmon recipe with a rich, savory mushroom sauce.
3. Citrus glazed brown butter salmon: Bright, zesty, and refreshing—this one is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
4. Smoked Paprika Salmon with Mango Salsa: Bold, smoky, and paired with a sweet, juicy salsa.
5. Pesto crusted salmon: Crispy on the outside, tender inside.
6. Baked tandoori salmon: If you love salmon with bold spices.