If you’re craving a flavorful, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta dish, then this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken and juicy shrimp with a rich, zesty Cajun cream sauce, all tossed with pasta for a comfort food experience that will blow your mind. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with so much flavor—you’ll definitely want to make it again!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Flavor Packed
The smoky heat from the Cajun seasoning blends perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a satisfying and balanced dish that you’ll crave time and time again.
Quick & Easy
It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or special weekend treat.
Comfort Food
Creamy, savory, and just the right amount of spice—this dish hits all the comforting notes without being overly heavy.
Versatile
You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it’s a guaranteed hit with both adults and kids.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken and Shrimp:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, cut into strips or cubes.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, ready to soak up all the Cajun goodness.
- Cajun Seasoning: The flavor base for this dish, providing that smoky, spicy kick.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and shrimp, giving them a golden, crisp exterior.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Heavy Cream: Rich and velvety, this is the base for the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and balances out the creaminess.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic, sautéed to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Butter: To round out the sauce and give it richness.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
For the Pasta:
- Pasta: Your choice of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great!).
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken and Shrimp:
- Season the chicken and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream, stir to combine, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
Assemble the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Slice the chicken and return it, along with the shrimp, to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, Cajun flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Fat per serving: 28g
Carbs per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 35g
Sugar per serving: 3g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
With Garlic Bread:
Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce—trust me, it’s irresistible!
Light Salad:
Pair with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Veggies:
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli would balance out the dish’s richness perfectly.
Additional Tips
Spice It Up:
Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
Make Ahead:
You can prep the chicken and shrimp in advance to save time on busy nights.
Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little cream or broth.
Lighter Version:
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use cauliflower pasta for a healthier option.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even add more shrimp for a seafood-focused dish.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Yes! Any type of pasta will work—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are all great choices.
Q3: Can I make this without Cajun seasoning?
A3: You can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a homemade Cajun substitute.
Q4: How do I make the sauce even creamier?
A4: You can add a bit more Parmesan cheese or even a splash of cream cheese to make the sauce extra rich.
Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken, shrimp, and sauce ahead of time and just assemble when ready to serve.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Q7: Can I freeze this dish?
A7: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the creamy sauce, as it might separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Q8: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Q9: How can I make this spicier?
A9: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to make it as spicy as you like!
Q10: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat dry the shrimp before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of rich, creamy sauce and bold, smoky Cajun spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something a little special for a weekend gathering, this dish has everything you need—flavor, comfort, and a touch of heat. Enjoy!
Print
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. With a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, this pasta will quickly become a favorite on your dinner table. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Shrimp:
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (divided)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Sauce and Pasta:
- 8 oz Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1 small Onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season the Chicken and Shrimp:
- Season both the chicken pieces and shrimp with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, the remaining 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, and pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat everything in the creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out to your liking.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with chicken thighs for a more tender option.
- If you like extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 180mg