Cajun Seafood And Noodles
A vibrant Cajun seafood and noodle dish packed with bold flavors, combining shrimp, crab, and vegetables in a spicy tomato sauce perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked noodles ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can whole tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 package frozen okra ⓘ
- 1 small package frozen shrimp, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 small package frozen crabmeat, thawed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook noodles as directed on the package and set aside.
- Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook green pepper, onion, parsley, red pepper, and garlic for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in flour and undrained tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils.
- Stir in frozen okra, thawed shrimp, and thawed crabmeat.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but reduce the amount to about one teaspoon. You can substitute the shrimp and crabmeat with other seafood options such as scallops or even chicken for a different flavor profile. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun seafood and noodles with a sprinkle of additional parsley on top for color and freshness. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish well, adding a refreshing contrast. Consider pairing it with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for an elevated dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the noodles and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave in short intervals, but be careful not to overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Seafood And Noodles contains roughly 1922 calories, with 12g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 189g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 711mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh seafood instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh seafood can be used instead of frozen. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh seafood typically cooks faster. Be sure to clean and prepare the seafood properly before adding it to the dish.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
While any cooked noodles can be used, fettuccine or linguine are excellent choices due to their ability to hold onto the sauce. Alternatively, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free noodles based on your dietary preferences.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce while cooking fresh noodles, ensuring everything is heated through before combining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).