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
Scale
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
