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
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
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside while preparing the protein and sauce.
- 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.
- Transfer cooked proteins to a separate plate, keeping them warm and retaining the flavorful pan drippings.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter, immediately adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden, about 30-45 seconds.
- Gradually pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, integrated sauce base.
- Allow sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, enabling it to slightly thicken and develop deeper flavors.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring until cheese melts completely and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Return cooked shrimp, chicken, and pasta to the skillet, gently tossing everything to ensure thorough coating with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- 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