Shrimp & Crab Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce: A Flavorful Seafood Delight

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Cook the shrimp and crab:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the shrimp, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Add the crab meat to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside.
Make the creamy Cajun sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or seafood broth, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine the pasta and seafood with the sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs to be thinned.
Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat, mixing everything until well combined and heated through.
Serve:

Serve the shrimp and crab pasta with creamy Cajun sauce in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips: