This recipe is part of our EBT Surf & Turf Collection.

Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $11–15 total
Cost Per Serving: $2.75–$3.75

Why You’ll Love It

Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender pasta, and flaky Cajun-spiced salmon come together in a meal that feels straight off a restaurant menu.

This is one of those recipes that tastes far more expensive than it actually is. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce perfectly.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~620

Protein: ~36g

Carbohydrates: ~48g

Fat: ~30g

Ingredients:

0.5x

1x

2x

4x

 

Cajun Salmon

•   1 lb salmon
•   1 tsp paprika
•   1 tsp garlic powder
•   1/2 tsp onion powder
•   1/2 tsp salt
•   1/4 tsp black pepper
•   pinch cayenne (optional)
•   1 tbsp olive oil

 

Alfredo Sauce

•   2 tbsp butter
•   4 cloves garlic (minced)
•   2 tbsp flour
•   1 cup milk
•   1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
•   1/2 tsp salt
•   1/4 tsp pepper

 

Pasta

•   12 oz fettuccine
•   water
•   salt

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the Fettuccine

1. Fill a large pot with water.
2. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the fettuccine.

Cook according to package directions, usually 10–12 minutes.

Reserve Pasta Water

Before draining, reserve:

• ½ cup pasta water

Drain the pasta and set aside.

💡 The reserved pasta water can help loosen and smooth the Alfredo sauce later.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Make the Cajun Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.

Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the salmon.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Sear the Salmon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add:

• Olive oil

Place the salmon into the skillet.

Cook:

• 4–5 minutes on the first side
• Flip carefully
• 3–4 minutes on the second side

✅ The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Transfer to a plate and allow it to rest.

Step 4: Start the Alfredo Sauce

Sauté the Garlic

Reduce heat to medium.

Using the same skillet:

Add:

• Butter

Once melted, add:

• Garlic

Cook for:

30 seconds

until fragrant.

⚠️ Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Base

Build the Sauce

Add:

• Flour

Whisk continuously for 1 minute.

💡 This removes the raw flour taste and helps create a smooth sauce.

Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly.

Continue whisking until smooth.

Cook for:

3–4 minutes

until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Finish the Alfredo Sauce

Reduce heat to low.

Add:

• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk until completely smooth and creamy.

If the sauce becomes too thick:

• Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time

Continue stirring until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Combine the Pasta & Sauce

Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce.

Toss thoroughly until every strand is coated.

Cook for:

1 additional minute

Remove from heat.

Step 8: Flake the Salmon

Create Large Restaurant-Style Pieces

Using a fork:

• Break the salmon into large chunks

💡 Keeping the pieces larger creates a more elegant presentation and prevents the salmon from disappearing into the pasta.

Step 9: Assemble the Bowls

Build the Plates

Divide the Alfredo pasta among 4 serving bowls.

Top each serving with:

• Cajun salmon

Optional garnishes:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately.

Budget Stretch Version

Looking to Lower the Cost?

Use:

• 2 cans salmon

or

• ¾ pound salmon

while keeping the pasta portion the same.

You’ll still have a filling, protein-rich meal while reducing the overall cost.

Optional Upgrades

Steakhouse Version

Add:

• Sautéed mushrooms

Cajun Shrimp Version

Add:

• ½ pound shrimp

for a true surf-and-turf Alfredo pasta.

Vegetable Version

Add:

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Peas

Extra Restaurant-Style Finish

Serve with:

• Lemon wedge
• Fresh parsley

Leftover Tips

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

For the creamiest texture:

1. Add 1–2 tablespoons milk.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals.
3. Stir between intervals.

✅ This helps restore the Alfredo sauce’s creamy consistency and prevents it from drying out.