If you’re craving a dinner that’s bold, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your ticket to comfort food paradise. With juicy chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce all tossed with tender pasta, every forkful is a celebration of Southern-inspired goodness. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering just the right amount of heat and an irresistible medley of textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a starring role. From the robust seasoning to the creamy sauce, nothing is complicated but everything is absolutely essential for building those layers of flavor and color.
- Pasta (8 ounces fettuccine or penne): The base of this recipe, perfect for catching the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the meat and veggies, infusing them with a subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds a silky touch to the sauce and ups the flavor factor.
- Chicken breast (1/2 pound, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces): Juicy, lean protein that soaks up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- Large shrimp (1/2 pound, peeled and deveined): Brings a sweet, tender seafood element that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon, divided): The heart of the dish, delivering smoky, spicy, and herby notes.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Pops of color and a slight sweetness that balances the spice.
- Onion (1/2, sliced): Adds depth and a savory backbone to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings irresistible aroma and a punch of flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a decadent, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce and boosts the savory notes.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty goodness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and enhances every flavor in the pan.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough heat to complement the Cajun spices.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finish that makes the dish pop visually and in flavor.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine or penne until just al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside. This step ensures your pasta stays perfectly tender and ready to soak up all that creamy Cajun sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a big, deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning, then sauté them until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through, about five to six minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm—this keeps it juicy while you tackle the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it out, those browned bits add flavor!), add the shrimp and sprinkle with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for two to three minutes per side, just until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for three to four minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies are soft and fragrant. This step builds a sweet and savory foundation for your sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. The cheese will melt into the sauce, giving it a rich, luscious texture you’ll want to dive into.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce and everything is heated through. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if you like a little more heat or salt!
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up every serving. For a little extra zing, you can also add a dash of freshly grated Parmesan or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a basket of warm, garlicky bread. The salad’s crunch and the bread’s buttery flavor help balance the spice and creaminess of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, twirl the pasta into nests using tongs and nestle the chicken and shrimp right on top. Serve in wide, shallow bowls and finish with a little more parsley and Parmesan. If you’re entertaining, you can even serve the pasta family-style on a big platter for everyone to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Freezing
This pasta dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool the pasta completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months, and stir well after reheating to bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are classic choices for this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe, you can use any pasta shape you love or have on hand. Rotini, linguine, or even spaghetti work wonderfully.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends entirely on your Cajun seasoning and your personal preference. If you like things milder, use a little less seasoning, or add more for a fiery kick. You can also include a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or unsweetened oat milk, and use a plant-based Parmesan-style cheese. The sauce will still be rich and satisfying.
What’s the best way to prep the shrimp?
Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience and the best texture. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking so they sear up nicely and don’t release too much moisture into the pan.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes during the vegetable sauté step. This not only adds nutrition but also layers in extra color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. It’s vibrant, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it a star at your own dinner table!
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Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, spicy sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. A deliciously seasoned Cajun twist on a classic creamy pasta dish, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Protein
- 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and season with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Cook Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together carefully until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the dish is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred heat level.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of smoked paprika when making the sauce.
- This dish pairs excellently with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
