Irresistible Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe
Craving a hearty Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta that ignites your taste buds with robust Southern flavors?
Home cooks often struggle to balance spice and creaminess in their dishes.
Authentic Louisiana-style recipes demand careful ingredient selection and precise technique.
Our carefully crafted blend combines succulent proteins with a velvety sauce that hugs each pasta strand.
Paprika, cayenne, and garlic create a complex flavor profile that dances across your palate.
Fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods make this dish accessible for weekend meal planners.
You’ll want to dive into this comforting plate that brings restaurant-quality excitement straight to your kitchen.
Storage Recommendations For Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta
FAQs
A blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper seasoning and prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the seasoning to suit your taste preference.
Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir continuously. Use room temperature cream and freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, more consistent sauce.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta: What Sets It Apart
Ingredients For Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta
For the Proteins:For the Pasta:For the Sauce Components:For the Seasonings:For the Cooking Fats:Preparation Guide For Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Boil Pasta
Cook the pasta following package directions until al dente. Drain and set the pasta aside, keeping it warm.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
In a large skillet, warm olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun spice blend.
Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
Step 3: Cook Shrimp
Use the same skillet to cook shrimp. Add shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and become slightly crispy. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 4: Create Aromatic Base
Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic.
Sauté until garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
Step 5: Prepare Creamy Sauce
Pour into the skillet:Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Incorporate Cheese
Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Add cooked pasta, seared chicken, and sautéed shrimp to the skillet.
Gently toss everything to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated with the rich Cajun sauce.
Step 8: Finish And Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious Cajun-style pasta.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Delightful Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta brings Southern comfort to dinner tables. Rich flavors combine tender protein with spicy cream sauce, promising a memorable meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (226 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsps chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta following package guidelines; drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
- Generously coat chicken and shrimp with robust Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes; transfer from skillet.
- Using the same skillet, quickly cook shrimp until they transform to vibrant pink, about 2-3 minutes per side; remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, introduce remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and fragrant.
- Stream heavy cream, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, and onion powder into the skillet; allow mixture to simmer and slightly thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce reaches smooth consistency.
- Gently fold reserved pasta, previously cooked chicken, and seared shrimp into creamy Cajun sauce, ensuring thorough coating.
- Finish dish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for added zest; serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount to match personal spice tolerance, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Use pre-cooked pasta or quick-cooking varieties to streamline preparation time and simplify the cooking process.
- Select large, fresh shrimp for optimal texture and taste, ensuring they are deveined and properly cleaned before cooking.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, maintaining the creamy consistency while reducing calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Maya Thompson
Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast
Expertise
Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine
Education
The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.
Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.