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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Olivia
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season the Chicken and Shrimp:
    • Season both the chicken pieces and shrimp with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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