Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Spicy Delight

Culinary magic happens when you blend creamy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta into a single, mouthwatering dish.

Spicy seasonings dance across tender proteins, creating a symphony of flavors.

Bold Creole influences shine through each perfectly seasoned bite.

Comfort meets excitement in this restaurant-quality meal you can craft at home.

Louisiana-inspired ingredients bring warmth and depth to every forkful.

Robust spices intermingle with silky sauce, promising a memorable dining experience.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta: A Flavor Explosion

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with Cajun seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken and shrimp into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience with this single-pan recipe that streamlines cooking from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Power: Combine succulent chicken and juicy shrimp for a protein-packed dish that satisfies meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving something delicious and exciting.

Key Ingredients for a Perfectly Spiced Cajun Pasta Dish

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the Cajun-style pasta dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds a delicate and sweet flavor to the recipe.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the main carrier for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth sauce for the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty depth to the sauce, enhancing overall flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that provide flavor and help with sautéing ingredients.
• Garlic, Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that deliver a bold and spicy Cajun profile.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's flavors.

• Tomatoes, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and nutritional value.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a garnish to brighten the final presentation.

Stepwise Instructions to Make This Creamy Cajun Delight

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions. Drain and set pasta aside, keeping it warm and ready for the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken with Spice

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Quickly Cook Succulent Shrimp

Use the same skillet to cook shrimp.

Sear each side until they turn pink and become slightly crispy. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Create Velvety Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Black pepper
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Seared chicken
• Cooked shrimp
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped bell peppers

Gently mix until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Simmer and Serve

Let the mixture simmer briefly to blend flavors.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness.

Tips for Balancing Spice and Creaminess Like a Pro Chef

• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp and chicken to elevate the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance, using less for mild preferences.
• Pat chicken and shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged options.
• Allow the sauce to simmer gently, which helps blend flavors and create a creamy, cohesive texture without scorching.

Fun Twists to Customize Your Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken and shrimp with grilled tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake and add extra vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining a rich, creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions That Elevate This Comfort Food Favorite

• Spicy Date Night Delight: Perfect for a romantic dinner, this creamy pasta transforms an ordinary evening into a special culinary experience with bold Cajun flavors and tender proteins.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion and store in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, maintaining the dish's zesty taste and creamy texture.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this vibrant pasta to gatherings where guests crave something beyond basic casseroles, guaranteed to impress with its rich, colorful presentation and complex flavor profile.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve family-style in a large serving dish, letting everyone scoop their own portion of succulent shrimp, chicken, and pasta dripping with creamy Cajun sauce.

How to Store Cajun Pasta for Freshness and Flavor Retention

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 35 days.
• Separate chicken and shrimp from pasta to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

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

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit red pepper flakes and use a mild Cajun seasoning to lower the heat while maintaining the signature flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the pasta contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use alternative pasta like rice noodles or gluten-free pasta options.

• What type of shrimp works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal, preferably fresh or thawed raw shrimp with tails removed for easier eating in this creamy pasta dish.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta blends New Orleans flavors with rich, spicy ingredients. Southern comfort meets culinary excitement, inviting you to savor each bold, complex bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 0.5 pound (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup bell peppers, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium-high temperature. Generously coat chicken with Cajun spice blend, searing for 5-7 minutes until golden and completely cooked through. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. Using identical skillet, quickly sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and become slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat, melt butter and briefly toast minced garlic for 60 seconds. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, paprika, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, and salt until sauce becomes uniformly smooth and velvety.
5. Incorporate cooked pasta, previously seared chicken, sautéed shrimp, diced tomatoes, and sliced bell peppers into the creamy sauce. Gently toss ingredients to ensure comprehensive coating.
6. Allow mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt intake without losing flavor punch.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for lighter, healthier version.
• Toast Cajun spices briefly before seasoning chicken to enhance their deep, smoky aromatics.
• Select quick-cooking shrimp like medium or small sizes to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg