Creamy Cajun Snapper: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Seafood Delight Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Snapper is a delicious, one-pan seafood dish bursting with bold flavors and a rich, velvety sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 fillets red snapper
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the red snapper fillets with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the snapper fillets for about 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add chicken or seafood broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits left from the snapper.
5. Step 5: Stir in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Return the snapper fillets to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
• Swap out red snapper for other firm white fish like cod or grouper if preferred.
• Serve over rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Use low-fat cream or coconut milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling of the sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen snapper fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen snapper fillets. Thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even searing and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

Creamy Cajun Snapper: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Seafood Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Snapper is a flavorful one-pan seafood dish featuring tender red snapper fillets seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner, this recipe combines the boldness of Cajun seasoning with smooth, savory creaminess for a delightful meal.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun / Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood

• 4 fillets red snapper

Seasoning and Fats

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

Aromatics and Liquids

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the fish: Pat the red snapper fillets dry and season both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning to infuse bold flavors.
2. Sear the snapper: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the fillets in the pan and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned and partially cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
3. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits left in the skillet from the snapper to add depth of flavor. Stir in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream, then cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
5. Simmer the snapper in sauce: Return the snapper fillets to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to ensure the snapper is fully heated and infused with the creamy sauce.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately, enjoying this flavorful, creamy Cajun snapper.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth for seafood broth if preferred.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
• Use a non-stick or heavy-bottom skillet to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
• This dish pairs well with steamed rice, crusty bread, or a side of sautéed vegetables.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.

Keywords: Cajun snapper, creamy seafood, one-pan dinner, red snapper recipe, Cajun seasoning, creamy tomato sauce