Butter Salmon Bites with Creamy Cajun Pasta is a decadent and flavorful dish that combines crispy, honey-glazed salmon bites with a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and tender linguine. With its bold Cajun seasoning and silky texture, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that are easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy. The salmon bites are seasoned and seared to perfection, then tossed in a luscious honey butter glaze. Paired with linguine coated in a smooth, cheesy cream sauce, each bite is packed with layered flavor and satisfying textures. It’s a complete meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in under an hour.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta and Sauce
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12 oz linguine pasta
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
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Prepare the Salmon Bites
In a medium bowl, toss the salmon pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon bites and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside. -
Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey and let it bubble for 2–3 minutes. Return the salmon to the skillet and gently coat in the honey butter glaze. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Cook the Pasta
While preparing the salmon, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until the sauce is smooth and creamy. -
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly. Carefully fold in the salmon bites. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Variations
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Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning to the cream sauce for more heat.
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Vegetable addition: Stir in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition and color.
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Different protein: Substitute shrimp, scallops, or tofu for the salmon.
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Low-carb version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of linguine.
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Lighter sauce: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may overcook the salmon and separate the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
How do I keep the salmon from falling apart?
Handle gently when tossing in the sauce and avoid overcooking to keep the pieces intact.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare components separately in advance and combine just before serving for best texture.
What pasta alternatives work well?
Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne are excellent substitutes for linguine.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheeses. The flavor will differ but still be creamy.
Is the Cajun seasoning spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level. Adjust to taste or use a low-sodium, mild blend if preferred.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and Cajun spices nicely.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then toss in the honey butter sauce.
How do I thicken the cream sauce?
Let it simmer slightly longer, or add a bit more cheese to reach desired consistency.
Can I skip the honey?
Yes, but the honey adds a nice balance to the spicy Cajun flavor. A drizzle of maple syrup could also be used.
Conclusion
Butter Salmon Bites over creamy linguine deliver an exceptional balance of rich, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a standout dish for any dinner occasion. With minimal prep and bold flavor payoff, it’s a satisfying, gourmet-quality meal that’s sure to impress both guests and family.
Print
Butter Salmon Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fusion (Southern-Cajun & Italian)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butter Salmon Bites with Cajun spice and a honey butter glaze, served over creamy linguine Alfredo, is a bold and comforting seafood pasta dish that blends spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions! Keywords: Butter Salmon Bites, Cajun salmon pasta, honey butter salmon, creamy salmon linguine, seafood Alfredo pasta.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
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4 salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon butter
→ For the Pasta:
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12 oz linguine pasta
→ For the Creamy Sauce:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Bites
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Toss salmon pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear salmon 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
3. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and add honey.
4. Let it bubble and thicken for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add salmon back in and coat with sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
6. Boil linguine in salted water per package instructions (9–11 minutes).
7. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
8. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
9. Add heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
10. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
11. Toss cooked linguine in the cream sauce until well coated.
12. Gently fold in the honey butter salmon bites.
13. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce.
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Use skinless salmon for easier eating.
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Substitute linguine with fettuccine or penne if preferred.
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