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Creamy Cajun Snapper

Featured in Fresh Seafood Made Easy.

Made this snapper for date night and nailed it! Quick 30-minute dinner that looks totally fancy. The Cajun spices with the creamy sauce are perfect together, and the fish stays so tender. Just don't overcook it - 4 minutes each side is plenty. Love how the cream cheese makes the sauce extra rich without being heavy. Served it with rice to soak up all that good sauce. Such a nice change from regular fish recipes. Perfect when you want something special but don't have hours to cook.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:03:20 GMT
A close-up view of seasoned grilled fish fillets garnished with parsley, served in a creamy sauce with diced vegetables. Pin it
A close-up view of seasoned grilled fish fillets garnished with parsley, served in a creamy sauce with diced vegetables. | lastminrecipes.com

This Creamy Cajun Snapper has become my go to when I want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender fish wrapped in that velvety spiced cream sauce is pure comfort food magic. Best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes perfect for those busy nights when you still want something amazing.

What Makes This Recipe Amazing

I love how the sweet delicate snapper balances with that kick of Cajun spice. The cream sauce brings everything together in the most luxurious way. Every time I make this friends ask for the recipe it looks fancy but it's actually so simple to pull together.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Fresh Red Snapper Fillets: The star of our show.
  • Cajun Seasoning: My favorite blend for a flavorful kick.
  • Butter: Real butter for a rich, creamy sauce.
  • Garlic: Lots of fresh garlic for amazing flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a silky smooth texture to the sauce.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Brings depth to the sauce.
  • Chicken Stock: Enhances the sauce’s richness.
  • Fresh Parsley: For brightness and a fresh finish.
Three seasoned fish fillets are arranged on a black plate, garnished with herbs and accompanied by a lemon wedge. Pin it
Three seasoned fish fillets are arranged on a black plate, garnished with herbs and accompanied by a lemon wedge. | lastminrecipes.com

Let's Cook Together

Season the Fish
Generously coat the snapper fillets with Cajun seasoning.
Sear the Fish
Heat a skillet with oil, then sear the fish for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
Melt butter in the same pan and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, cream cheese, and chicken stock. Stir until smooth.
Finish the Dish
Return the fish to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let simmer for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Good For You Too

I love knowing this dish isn't just delicious it's actually packed with goodness. That beautiful snapper gives you those amazing omega-3s plus loads of protein. Whenever I serve this I feel good about feeding my family something that's both tasty and nutritious.

Perfect Partners

My favorite way to serve this is over fluffy white rice it soaks up all that incredible sauce. Sometimes I do mashed potatoes or if I'm keeping things light steamed green beans on the side. Don't forget some crusty bread for sauce dipping it's a must in my house. A glass of crisp white wine makes it feel extra special.

A skillet containing three pieces of seasoned fish in a creamy sauce with mixed vegetables and herbs. Pin it
A skillet containing three pieces of seasoned fish in a creamy sauce with mixed vegetables and herbs. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What fish can I substitute for red snapper?
Other firm white fish like grouper, halibut, or cod work well. Choose fish that can hold up to pan-searing without falling apart.
→ How do I know when the fish is done?
Fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The searing time of 2 minutes per side usually gives perfect results.
→ Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with less cayenne. Taste sauce before adding fish.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
Rice pairs perfectly to soak up the sauce. Also goes well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
→ Why blot the fish dry?
Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better sear and prevents oil splatter. It also helps the seasoning stick better.

Creamy Cajun Snapper

Tender red snapper fillets seasoned with Cajun spices and served in a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 red snapper fillets.
02 3 tablespoons olive oil.
03 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
04 1 tablespoon butter.
05 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
06 1 cup chicken stock.
07 14 ounces diced tomatoes, drained.
08 4 ounces cream cheese.
09 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
10 1 tablespoon parsley.

Instructions

Step 01

Pat fish dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun spices.

Step 02

Heat oil and sear fish 2 minutes per side. Remove from pan.

Step 03

Melt butter, cook garlic 1 minute.

Step 04

Add stock, tomatoes and cream cheese. Simmer until smooth.

Step 05

Return fish to pan, heat 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

  1. Wipe pan clean between cooking fish and making sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Fish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 228
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 18 g