Sizzling Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe

My latest creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta craving struck unexpectedly during a late-night cooking experiment.

Spicy aromas wafted through my kitchen, promising an unforgettable meal.

Layers of complex flavors dance across your palate with each perfectly seasoned bite.

Succulent shrimp and tender chicken intermingle in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers southern comfort.

Robust Cajun spices deliver a delightful kick without overwhelming delicate proteins.

Comfort meets culinary adventure in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Let’s dive into a recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Why Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Is Special

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with Cajun seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken and shrimp into a mouthwatering adventure.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine protein-packed seafood and chicken with creamy pasta, creating a hearty meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily adaptable recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impromptu gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate ocean flavor to the pasta dish.
• Chicken: Tender meat that provides hearty protein and complements the Cajun seasoning.

• Pasta: A classic foundation that absorbs the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luxurious, smooth sauce that coats the pasta and proteins.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop the sauce's depth of flavor.

• Cajun Seasoning: A spicy blend that infuses the dish with bold, zesty southern-style taste.
• Garlic, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide layers of warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy notes.

• Bell Peppers, Tomatoes: Fresh ingredients that add color, texture, and natural sweetness to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the proteins and prevents sticking in the skillet.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce's complexity and adds subtle savory undertones.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, clean finish to the creamy pasta.

How to Prepare Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.

Drain and set pasta aside while preparing the protein and sauce.

Step 2: Spice Protein

Generously coat chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every piece is well-covered with the spicy blend.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

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

Cook chicken pieces until they develop a golden brown exterior and are fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become slightly crisp.

Remove shrimp from the pan.

Step 5: Build Vegetable Base

• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced tomatoes

Saute the vegetables for approximately 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients together and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.

Step 7: Combine Proteins

Return cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing them in the creamy sauce to reheat and coat evenly.

Step 8: Mix Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to ensure every strand is covered with the delicious sauce.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish.

Serve immediately while hot, directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips for Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Use homemade Cajun seasoning for a more authentic and personalized taste profile.
• Remove shrimp immediately when they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Whisk sauce continuously to prevent separation and ensure smooth, silky consistency.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning to match your personal heat tolerance.
• Replace shrimp or chicken with tofu or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian adaptation.

Variations for Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Vegetarian Pasta: Replace shrimp and chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, using the same Cajun seasoning for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a gluten-free, low-carb alternative that keeps the creamy Cajun flavor.
• Mediterranean-Style Seafood Pasta: Substitute chicken with white fish like cod, add kalamata olives and swap Parmesan for feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Variation: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, dairy-free option that maintains the rich, spicy profile.

Serving Suggestions for Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Seafood Celebration Plate: Pair this zesty pasta with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the Cajun spices and creamy texture.
• Dinner Party Delight: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the dish.
• Herb Lover's Twist: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for added brightness and a pop of green color that makes the presentation more vibrant.
• Comfort Food Companion: Add warm garlic bread or crusty French bread on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the meal.

Storage Tips for Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the pasta completely with sauce to prevent drying out.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, cayenne, and other spices that gives a spicy, bold flavor to meats and seafood.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess water in the sauce.

• How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes you use. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the pasta contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta blends Southern spices with Italian comfort. Rich flavors mingle in this hearty dish you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Carbohydrates:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced

Cooking Liquids:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta following package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
2. Liberally coat shrimp and chicken with zesty Cajun spice blend.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, approximately 375°F, and sear chicken until golden and crisp, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, quickly sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink color, then set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter, then gently sweat minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and chopped tomatoes for approximately 2 minutes.
6. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, paprika, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, creating a rich sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Reintroduce cooked chicken and shrimp to the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure thorough coating.
8. Fold in reserved pasta, stirring to integrate all components, and allow to warm through for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley across the dish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount based on personal spice tolerance.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to decrease calories.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure perfectly timed execution.
• Gluten-free alternative: use zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg