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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
- 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.
- 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.
- Melt butter in the skillet, allowing it to coat the surface. Introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a rich base. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Combine cooked pasta, seared chicken, succulent shrimp, and halved cherry tomatoes into the creamy sauce. Gently toss ingredients to ensure comprehensive coating.
- 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