Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 lb chicken breast, sliced; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced; 1/2 cup onions, sliced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

There’s nothing quite like the bold, spicy flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This dish is a true comfort food classic, combining tender shrimp, juicy chicken, and a creamy, seasoned sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It's a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

I first fell in love with this dish after a trip to New Orleans, where Cajun flavors reigned supreme. Determined to recreate that unforgettable taste at home, I experimented until I found the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and protein-packed goodness. Now, this recipe is a staple in my kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a rich and spicy meal.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. You can have this meal on the table in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when time is tight but you still want something satisfying.

The flavors are out of this world. The Cajun seasoning brings a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the cream sauce, while the shrimp and chicken add layers of texture and taste. Every bite is a delicious mix of spice and indulgence.

It’s also budget-friendly. With simple, easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home without breaking the bank.

Best of all, it’s a versatile dish. You can adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or even make it a little lighter by using a lower-fat dairy option. This recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness.

The pasta is the foundation of the dish. I love using fettuccine or penne because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you can swap in a whole wheat or gluten-free alternative without losing flavor.

The shrimp and chicken bring the protein power. I recommend using large shrimp and boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture. Be sure to pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they get a nice sear and don’t release too much liquid into the sauce.

Cajun seasoning is the star of the show. A good blend will have the perfect mix of smokiness, spice, and depth. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a little and adjust to taste. You can also make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme.

For the cream sauce, a combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese creates a luxurious texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative, though the sauce may not be as rich.

A large skillet or cast-iron pan is key to cooking everything evenly. A good sear on the proteins and a well-blended sauce make all the difference in achieving the perfect dish.

How To Make This Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. Save a bit of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Next, add a little more oil to the same pan and toss in the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

In the same pan, reduce the heat and add garlic and diced onions, cooking until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Finally, return the cooked pasta, shrimp, and chicken to the pan, tossing everything together so the sauce coats every bite. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well for easy meals later. To keep it fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it, but keep in mind that creamy sauces tend to change texture when frozen. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Reheating is easy—just warm leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid using high heat, as this can cause the sauce to separate. If microwaving, heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to make it your own with a few simple swaps and variations.

If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can use all chicken instead. Likewise, if you prefer a seafood-only version, swap out the chicken for extra shrimp or even scallops.

For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or stir in some red pepper flakes to amp up the heat. You can also drizzle in a bit of hot sauce for an extra fiery touch.

Want to add some veggies? Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions to this dish. Simply sauté them with the garlic and onions before adding the cream.

If you need a dairy-free option, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute. It will still be rich and flavorful with a slightly different taste profile.

This dish is all about bold flavors and creamy comfort, so don’t be afraid to experiment. No matter how you tweak it, you’re in for a delicious meal every time!