If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and silky textures, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds. Combining tender chicken breast strips and juicy shrimp with a luscious, spicy cream sauce, this recipe delivers a comforting yet exciting meal perfect for any night of the week. The Cajun seasoning adds that signature kick, while the parmesan cheese and heavy cream create a luxurious texture you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a pasta fanatic, or just looking for a new dinner favorite, this dish brings a wonderful balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece. Each component is essential, whether adding depth, creaminess, or a pop of color to the final dish.
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into strips or bite-sized pieces, it provides hearty protein and a tender texture.
- 1/2 lb Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, shrimp adds a sweet, briny flavor that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning: Divided to season both the meat and the sauce, it delivers the dish’s signature bold, zesty flavor.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Perfect for cooking the chicken and shrimp to a golden finish without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjusted to taste to enhance all the components naturally.
- 8 oz Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape works, soaking up the creamy sauce with every bite.
- 3 tbsp Butter: Adds richness and helps build the base of the sauce for a velvety texture.
- 1 small Onion: Chopped finely, it brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced, garlic offers a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: This ingredient is key to the silky, smooth consistency that makes this pasta unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and a mild savory backbone to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce adding salty richness and a slightly nutty flavor.
- 1 tsp Paprika: Provides a mild smokiness that complements the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love an extra kick, these add a subtle heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped to garnish, it brightens the dish with a fresh green color and herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure not to overcook it because it will finish cooking when tossed in the sauce later. Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water—it’s gold for adjusting sauce consistency!
Step 2: Season the Chicken and Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the chicken strips and shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step ensures every bite is infused with that unmistakable Cajun flavor that’s so addicting.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest—keeping the juices locked in for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and quickly sauté for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Just like the chicken, remove the shrimp and set aside. The skillet will contain lovely browned bits, which we’ll use next for the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom—this is where the magic happens.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re going for extra heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. This will thicken the sauce slightly and deepen its flavors.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, and your pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything in the creamy sauce until well coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect silky consistency. Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready to be served hot and fresh. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that burst of color and freshness that completes this beautiful meal.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a pop of green and a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness. For an added touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the whole plate and bring out the seafood’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls also work beautifully to soak up every bit of that incredible Cajun cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a classy dinner or a casual get-together, serve the pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl garnished generously with parsley and freshly grated parmesan. Or plate it individually with a sprinkle of extra paprika or chili flakes on top for a colorful, inviting presentation that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or dinner the following day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Store in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream, broth, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. For microwave reheating, cover loosely to retain moisture and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the shrimp and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne is recommended to capture the creamy sauce, feel free to use linguine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding less seasoning or omitting the red pepper flakes entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
To maintain the richness and silky texture, heavy cream works best here. However, half-and-half or whole milk can be used as substitutes, but the sauce may be less creamy and may need to be thickened accordingly.
Can I prepare the chicken and shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can season and cook the chicken and shrimp up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge and add them to the sauce just before serving to keep them tender and flavorful.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well as a substitute, lending a similar salty, tangy flavor. Nutritional yeast is also a great option for a dairy-free variation, giving a cheesy note without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a plate of creamy, spicy, and flavorful pasta that brings comfort and joy all at once. This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, I promise this recipe will become a beloved favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a meal you won’t soon forget!
Print
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Description
This creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a luscious spicy cream sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish combines bold Cajun flavors with comforting creaminess for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (divided)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Pasta
- 8 oz Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
- Season the Chicken and Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces and shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to ensure they are well coated with the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce: In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate more flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir well until melted and fully combined.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Shrimp: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to evenly coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easier eating and better texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- Add extra crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more spice.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
