Description
Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, juicy chicken, and creamy, cheesy pasta. The perfect balance of spice and creaminess makes this meal a crowd-pleaser. If you love comfort food with a kick, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 8 oz (225 g) rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast (diced)
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and browned.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3: Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on spice preference.
- Use fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- For a richer sauce, replace half the milk with more heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, chicken and shrimp pasta, spicy pasta recipe, easy Cajun pasta