Epic Blackened Salmon & Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta 

 Epic Blackened Salmon & Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta 

Ingredients:
For the Blackened Salmon:
2 salmon fillets 
1 tbsp olive oil 
1 tsp smoked paprika 
½ tsp cayenne pepper 
½ tsp garlic powder 
½ tsp onion powder 
½ tsp dried oregano 
Salt & black pepper to taste 
Juice of ½ lemon 
For the Cajun Shrimp:
200g large shrimp, peeled & deveined 
1 tbsp butter 
1 tsp Cajun seasoning 
½ tsp garlic powder 
½ tsp paprika 
Salt & black pepper to taste 
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta:
300g fettuccine or spaghetti 
1 ½ cups heavy cream 
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
1 tbsp butter 
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 
Salt & black pepper to taste 
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2. Blackened Salmon:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture over the salmon fillets.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and blackened. Squeeze lemon juice over the top before removing from the skillet. Set aside.
3. Cajun Shrimp:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat.
6. Serve:
Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan pasta and top with the blackened salmon and Cajun shrimp. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.