Easy Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe For Dinner

A culinary adventure awaits with this creamy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta that promises bold, zesty flavors.

Southern spices dance across tender protein pieces nestled in silky sauce.

Hearty ingredients combine for a meal bursting with robust character and warmth.

New Orleans inspiration infuses every single bite with passionate cooking magic.

Peppers and seasonings create an explosion of taste that awakens your senses.

Comfort meets excitement in this one-pan wonder that satisfies deep hunger.

Grab a fork and prepare for a delicious journey through Louisiana-inspired cuisine.

Perks Of Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Simplifies dinner with a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious, hassle-free cooking.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Combines bold Cajun spices with creamy sauce, delivering a zesty taste experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that wows taste buds.
• Protein-Powered Meal: Delivers a satisfying combination of chicken and shrimp, offering substantial nutrition and variety in a single skillet, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling completely full and content.
• Customizable Comfort: Allows easy ingredient swaps or spice adjustments, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and skill levels, so home cooks can confidently make this recipe their own.

Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Ingredient Lineup

• Fettuccine, Penne Pasta: Classic pasta choices that hold creamy sauce well, good for capturing Cajun flavors.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs seasoning nicely, best when cut into uniform strips.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds delicate ocean flavor, peeled and deveined for easy eating.

• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice mix that provides signature Louisiana-style heat and depth.
• Paprika: Adds mild pepper warmth and beautiful reddish color to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for extra spicy kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for the cream sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds deep, savory undertone.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Helps thin and add subtle savory notes to cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity and helps thicken sauce.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, fresh element that adds color and light acidic balance.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides vibrant green color and herbaceous finish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds mild fruity undertone.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain and set pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.

Cook until chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked.

Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

In the same skillet, add shrimp with a dash of paprika and red pepper flakes.

Cook until shrimp turns pink and becomes opaque.

Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in the skillet and sauté minced garlic.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Blend Cheese

Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts completely and creates a smooth consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Everything

• Cooked pasta
• Seared chicken
• Cooked shrimp
• Cherry tomatoes

Toss ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors.

Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta With Creamy Blending Advice

• Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by adding more or less to suit your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Easily substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for different dietary preferences without compromising the dish's creamy texture.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting heavy cream and chicken broth ratio, creating a perfect coating for pasta.
• Add extra cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs like basil for enhanced freshness and visual appeal.
• Cook proteins and pasta simultaneously to reduce overall cooking time and streamline the preparation process.

Reheat Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta For Next Day

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Splash a little chicken broth or cream before reheating to prevent pasta from drying out.
• Gently warm the pasta on low heat to maintain sauce's creamy texture and prevent cheese from breaking.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Side Picks

• Pair Southern Comfort Wine: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the spicy Cajun flavors and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness while complementing the dish's zesty profile.
• Complement Herbal Beverage: Brew a refreshing iced tea with mint and lemon, which provides a cooling contrast to the spicy chicken and shrimp, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Match Citrus Cocktail: Mix a classic margarita or mojito with extra lime, offering a bright, tangy accompaniment that enhances the seafood's natural sweetness and cuts through the heavy cream sauce.
• Enhance Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, providing a peppery, acidic counterpoint to the rich pasta, helping to balance the dish's intense flavors and add a fresh element to the meal.

Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta with Creamy Kick

• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken and shrimp with grilled tofu cubes and sautéed portobello mushrooms, seasoned with Cajun spices for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta, ensuring the Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy sauce and spicy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy sauce that caters to dairy-sensitive diners.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, or use a mild Cajun blend to control the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to eat. Keep the sauce, pasta, chicken, and shrimp refrigerated in separate containers for up to 3 days.

• What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices that hold the creamy sauce well and provide a great texture for this Cajun-style dish.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cajun spices dance through this creamy shrimp and chicken pasta, bringing Southern comfort to your dinner table. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, promising a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger and delights dinner companions.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
• 0.5 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Spices:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 cup parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce chicken pieces coated with Cajun seasoning, searing until exterior develops a golden-brown crust. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to cook shrimp, seasoning with paprika and red pepper flakes until they transform into a vibrant pink hue. Remove and set aside.
4. Melt butter in the skillet, allowing it to coat the surface. Introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a rich base. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
7. Combine cooked pasta, seared chicken, succulent shrimp, and halved cherry tomatoes into the creamy sauce. Gently toss ingredients to ensure comprehensive coating.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while still piping hot.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount to match personal spice tolerance.
• Swap protein options by using tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian or lighter meal versions.
• Choose low-fat cream or coconut milk to create a healthier sauce without compromising rich flavor profile.
• Toast spices briefly before cooking to enhance their depth and release more complex aromatic compounds.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg