The Creamiest Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe Ever

Weeknight dinners become instantly exciting with this creamy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta that promises bold flavors and comfort.

Spicy seasonings dance across tender protein pieces nestled in velvety sauce.

Generous portions of succulent seafood and juicy chicken create a satisfying meal everyone craves.

Mild heat from classic cajun spices brings unexpected depth to each forkful.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this spectacular dish in under thirty minutes.

Invite friends and savor every delectable, zesty bite of this irresistible pasta sensation.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

• Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinner: Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta brings a zesty, restaurant-quality meal right to your kitchen with bold, exciting flavors that transform an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.
• Master One-Skillet Convenience: This recipe minimizes cleanup with a single pan approach, allowing you to create a delicious, complex dish without juggling multiple cookware or spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize for Every Palate: Easily adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, making this dish perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder tastes.
• Quick and Satisfying Protein Powerhouse: Packed with succulent shrimp and chicken, this pasta delivers a protein-rich meal that keeps you full and energized, ideal for busy families or individuals seeking a nutritious dinner option.

Ingredients to Prepare Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

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

• Pasta: The main carbohydrate component that serves as the foundation of the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy liquids that create a rich and smooth sauce base.
• Butter, Garlic: Flavor-enhancing ingredients that add depth and aroma to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté proteins and prevent sticking.

• Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that provides a bold and zesty flavor profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, fresh touch to the dish.

Cooking Steps for Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water following the package guidelines.

Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to rest while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Sear Protein

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Shrimp
• Chicken

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the proteins and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked.

Transfer the shrimp and chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and releases its delightful aroma.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir the liquids together and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce Flavor

• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until the cheese melts and the seasonings are thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, seared shrimp, and chicken back into the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is wonderfully creamy.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Cajun Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or hot blends to match your heat preference.
• Replace shrimp or chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter sauce with similar creamy texture.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or zucchini noodles for unique presentations.
• Add fresh basil or thyme alongside parsley to enhance the dish's aromatic profile.

Flavorful Variations for Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace shrimp and chicken with firm tofu or seitan, seasoned with Cajun spices for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Cajun seasoning is gluten-free to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the creamy Cajun sauce and protein.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free alternative.

Serving Ideas for Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place the pasta in a large, rustic serving bowl and let everyone help themselves family-style, creating a warm and inviting dining experience.
• Spicy Garnish Station: Set out extra Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh parsley so guests can customize their heat and freshness levels right at the table.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, spicy flavors of the Cajun pasta dish.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.

Tips to Store Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce separate to prevent soggy texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir continuously for even heating.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Best to freeze sauce and proteins separately from pasta to maintain optimal texture.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of herbs and spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper that gives dishes a spicy, bold Southern Louisiana flavor.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

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

• Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?

Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single skillet, making cleanup easy and reducing the number of dishes used during cooking.

• How can I tell if shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns opaque and pink when done, and it will curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and rubbery, so cook just until they change color.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta combines bold Southern flavors with silky sauce and zesty spices. Hearty comfort meets elegant dining, delivering a satisfying meal that brings Louisiana’s rich culinary spirit directly to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) chicken breast, sliced

Pasta and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside while preparing the protein and sauce.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then quickly sear shrimp and chicken seasoned generously with Cajun spice blend until proteins are fully cooked and golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer cooked proteins to a separate plate, keeping them warm and retaining the flavorful pan drippings.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter, immediately adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden, about 30-45 seconds.
5. Gradually pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, integrated sauce base.
6. Allow sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, enabling it to slightly thicken and develop deeper flavors.
7. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring until cheese melts completely and seasonings are evenly distributed.
8. Return cooked shrimp, chicken, and pasta to the skillet, gently tossing everything to ensure thorough coating with the creamy Cajun sauce.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, making the dish mild or fiery hot.
• Easily swap chicken for turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing richness.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Cajun seasoning is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 282 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg