Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish with a perfect combination of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a kick, making it a perfect meal for dinner or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Shrimp:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, tails removed
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and shrimp
- Cajun Seasoning: For a spicy, flavorful kick
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Garlic Powder: To enhance flavor
For the Pasta:
- Fettuccine or Penne Pasta: Or any pasta of your choice
- Salt: For seasoning the pasta water
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: For richness and flavor
- Heavy Cream: To create the creamy base of the sauce
- Chicken Broth: For added flavor and to help balance the richness
- Garlic: Minced, for a savory depth of flavor
- Onion: Diced, for a slight sweetness and texture
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds the signature Cajun spice and flavor
- Paprika: For smokiness and color
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, for creaminess and a savory touch
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Reserve a little pasta water for later in case the sauce needs to be thinned.
- Cook the Chicken and Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and cook the shrimp. Season the shrimp with a little more Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is softened.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the Chicken, Shrimp, and Pasta:
- Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, making sure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
- Optionally, add extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.
- If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can use half-and-half or milk in place of the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
- You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make the dish more vibrant and nutritious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Keywords: Cajun pasta, shrimp pasta, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, Cajun cream sauce, spicy pasta, dinner