Sizzling Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe

Succulent cajun shrimp dance through a luxurious pasta landscape, promising pure comfort on your plate.

Spicy seasonings weave magic into every delectable bite.

creamy sauces envelope tender chicken and plump seafood with remarkable depth.

Southern culinary traditions shine through this hearty meal’s bold flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques merge seamlessly with robust cajun spices, creating something extraordinary.

Passionate home cooks can quickly master this restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen skills.

Fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation make you the dinner hero tonight.

Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture.
• Avoid freezing the dish, as cream-based sauces and pasta tend to separate and become watery when thawed.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• For best results, warm the pasta and protein separately, then combine with sauce just before serving to preserve the original flavors and consistency.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper that gives dishes a spicy, bold Louisiana-style flavor.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine, penne, or linguine work great with this creamy Cajun sauce and will hold the sauce nicely.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate heat level, but you can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of seasoning and red pepper flakes.

• How do I know when the chicken and shrimp are fully cooked?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and shrimp will turn pink and curl slightly when completely cooked.

Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Chicken

• Speed Up Dinner: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minimal steps with simple ingredients that come together quickly for a satisfying dinner solution.
• Spice Up Your Plate: Packed with bold Cajun seasoning and vibrant flavors, this recipe delivers a zesty, creamy experience that transforms an ordinary pasta dish into an exciting culinary adventure.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet to create a complete meal, combining protein, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce without multiple cooking vessels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend protein-rich chicken and shrimp with a luxurious cream sauce that appeals to different taste preferences, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients That Build This Flavorful Cajun Dish

• Chicken: A tender protein that adds substantial flavor and heartiness to the pasta dish.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a delicate sweetness and ocean-fresh taste to the recipe.

• Pasta: A classic base that absorbs the creamy Cajun sauce and provides a satisfying texture.

• Cajun Seasoning: A spicy blend that gives the dish its signature bold and zesty Cajun profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: A rich, salty cheese that helps thicken and enhance the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that creates a smooth and velvety sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor.

• Garlic, Bell Pepper, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that provide additional layers of flavor and color to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help develop rich flavors and prevent sticking.
• Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that contribute warmth, heat, and balanced seasoning.

• Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a bright, crisp finish to the pasta.

How to Cook This Creamy Pasta to Perfection

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the pasta following the package directions. Drain completely and set it to the side.

This will be ready and waiting for the magical sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

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

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over chicken and cook until golden brown and fully done. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

In the same skillet, add shrimp and season with remaining Cajun spice. Cook until shrimp turn vibrant pink.

Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Create Vegetable Base

Toss chopped garlic, diced bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet.

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become slightly softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet.

Stir ingredients together, creating a smooth liquid base. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce Flavors

• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously rich.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Reunite the pasta, chicken, and shrimp with the creamy sauce.

Toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets beautifully coated.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and parsley over the top.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling with deliciousness.

Expert Notes on Balancing Flavors in Cajun Pasta

• Swap regular Cajun seasoning with a low-sodium version to control salt intake and keep the dish heart-friendly.
• Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content and add nutritional value to this creamy pasta dish.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-packed sauce that still maintains a rich texture.
• Enhance meal prep by cooking chicken and shrimp ahead of time, storing separately, and quickly assembling the dish when ready to serve.
• Accommodate vegetarian diets by replacing protein with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas, maintaining the signature Cajun flavor profile.

Ways to Mix Up the Recipe for New Flavors

• Seafood-Only Version: Replace chicken with additional shrimp or swap in white fish like cod for a lighter seafood-focused pasta dish.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute shrimp and chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms and plant-based protein like tofu, using smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa flour, and verify Cajun seasoning contains no wheat-based ingredients.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the rich Cajun cream sauce and protein components.

Perfect Pairings to Complement the Cajun Pasta

• Spicy Dinner Party Delight: Serve this zesty pasta on a large platter garnished with extra herbs, creating a stunning centerpiece that'll wow your guests.
• Cajun Comfort Bowl: Ladle the creamy pasta into deep bowls, ensuring each serving gets an equal mix of chicken, shrimp, and rich sauce for maximum flavor.
• Quick Lunch Remix: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious work lunch, keeping the pasta and proteins separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Rustic Family-Style Feast: Present the entire skillet at the table, letting everyone serve themselves family-style with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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

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Description

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta delivers bold Southern flavors with rich, spicy notes. Hearty ingredients and zesty seasonings combine for a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, sliced
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and becomes fragrant.
3. Generously coat chicken with Cajun seasoning, then sear until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, quickly sauté shrimp seasoned with remaining Cajun spice until they turn vibrant pink and curl slightly. Remove and set aside.
5. Introduce minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors.
6. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth, unified sauce. Allow mixture to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.
7. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue simmering until sauce thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
8. Reunite cooked pasta, seared chicken, and seasoned shrimp with the sauce, carefully tossing to ensure everything is evenly coated.
9. Finish by scattering freshly chopped green onions and parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh garnish before serving immediately.

Notes

• Optimize Cajun seasoning blend by mixing your own fresh spices for more vibrant flavor profiles.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
• Control spice levels by gradually adding Cajun seasoning and tasting throughout cooking process to customize heat intensity.
• Choose shell-on shrimp for enhanced seafood flavor, or select pre-peeled for quicker preparation convenience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg