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
Scale
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.
