Creamy Cajun Snapper: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Seafood Delight Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Season the fish: Pat the red snapper fillets dry and season both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning to infuse bold flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
