Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta combines the best of both worlds – succulent seafood and tender chicken in a rich, spice-infused cream sauce. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food that you can easily make at home. The blend of Cajun spices adds a perfect kick while the cream sauce balances everything into a harmonious dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pure Comfort

There’s something magical about the combination of perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a velvety cream sauce that speaks directly to the soul. The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth, while the parmesan cheese brings a nutty richness that turns this dish into the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

What You Need

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Steps to Make It

Make It Perfect

1. Season chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and shrimp with another tablespoon. Set aside.
2. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with chicken.
7. Lower heat to medium and add heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning and parmesan cheese.
8. Simmer sauce until it starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
9. Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Mix It Up

Try using different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for variety. You can also adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Perfect Partners

Serve this pasta with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and seafood.

Busy Day Hero

Speed up prep by using pre-peeled shrimp and pre-cut chicken. You can also buy pre-mixed Cajun seasoning instead of making your own blend.

Work Ahead

Prep vegetables and protein up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also pre-measure all your spices and have them ready to go.

Save Some For Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Everyone’s Happy

This versatile dish pleases both seafood and chicken lovers. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for weeknight dinners.

Good For You Too

Get your protein fix from both chicken and shrimp. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

Easy Clean Up

Make cleanup a breeze by using one pot for pasta and one large skillet for everything else. Pro tip: fill your cooking vessels with hot water while enjoying dinner to make washing up easier.

Switch It Up

Make it vegetarian by replacing proteins with mushrooms and roasted vegetables. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use milk thickened with a roux.

Simply Perfect

The key to perfection lies in not overcooking the shrimp and chicken, and in getting the sauce consistency just right. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to thoroughly coat the pasta.

FAQs 7

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before using.
2. How spicy is this dish?
   Medium spicy with regular Cajun seasoning, but easily adjustable.
3. Can I make it ahead for a party?
   Best served fresh, but can be reheated carefully.
4. What’s the best pasta to use?
   Fettuccine is traditional, but any pasta works well.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes, add it near the end just to heat through.
6. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
   Simmer gently and don’t overheat when reheating.
7. Can I freeze this dish?
   Not recommended as cream sauces can separate when frozen.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta brings together the best of Cajun cuisine with classic comfort food. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. With its perfect balance of spices, cream, and tender proteins, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Remember, the key to success is preparing all ingredients before starting and not overcooking the seafood. Enjoy this delicious fusion of flavors that brings a taste of Louisiana to your dinner table.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, you might want to explore other mouthwatering dishes! For a similar bold and spicy twist, check out this Cajun Beef Pasta. If creamy pasta is your favorite, you’ll love this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce. Looking for a seafood delight? Try the rich flavors of Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails. For another hearty chicken dish, give One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles a try. If you’re craving a crispy treat, these Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken will hit the spot. For something rich and comforting, don’t miss out on Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake. And finally, if you’re in the mood for a quick yet satisfying dish, this Honey Garlic Butter Steak and Rice Skillet is a must-try!

Enjoy exploring these flavorful recipes! 🍽️

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Meryem

A luxurious Italian-American pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. The sauce clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, while the shrimp adds a sweet, succulent contrast to the creamy base. Fresh herbs and black pepper add depth and visual appeal to this restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

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Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian-American fusion

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
• 1½ pounds large shrimp 16-20 count, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup white wine optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta
• Season shrimp with salt and pepper
• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente
• While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink; remove and set aside
• In the same pan, add butter and garlic, sauté for 1 minute
• Add wine if using, simmer for 2 minutes
• Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens
• Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat
• Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon zest and parsley
• Season to taste and serve immediately

Notes

This dish combines classic Italian pasta preparation methods with American interpretations of cream-based sauces. While not traditionally Italian (where seafood pasta dishes rarely include cream or cheese), it’s become a beloved staple in American Italian restaurants and home kitchens. The combination of shrimp and cream sauce represents the evolution of Italian cuisine in America, creating a rich and satisfying fusion dish.