This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender pieces of chicken and succulent shrimp tossed in a rich, spicy cream sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick that complements the creamy texture perfectly, making every bite satisfying and bold. Fettuccine noodles provide the perfect base, absorbing the luscious sauce while giving the dish a hearty feel. This recipe is ideal for anyone craving a restaurant-quality meal at home without complicated steps or ingredients.
The sauce is rich and velvety thanks to the combination of cream, cream cheese, and parmesan, while garlic infuses each bite with aromatic depth. Cooking the chicken and shrimp separately with a hint of Cajun spice ensures that every piece is perfectly seasoned and tender. The balance between spice and creaminess makes this pasta dish a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions alike. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish hits all the right notes for anyone who loves a touch of Southern-inspired heat paired with creamy indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines juicy chicken and shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
- Creamy, rich sauce with just the right amount of spice.
- Easy one-pan sauce that comes together quickly.
- Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices for bold flavor.
- Comfort food with a gourmet twist that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Uncooked fettuccine
- Chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- Shrimp, thawed and peeled
- Garlic powder
- Cajun seasoning (low or no salt)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Heavy or whipping cream
- Cream cheese
- Minced garlic
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- Spicier Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken and shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Different Pasta: Use penne or linguine instead of fettuccine.
- Lighter Cream: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season Chicken and Shrimp
Sprinkle chicken pieces with garlic powder and half of the Cajun seasoning. Do the same with the shrimp, using the remaining Cajun seasoning.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook Shrimp
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with chicken.
Step 5: Make Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Season
Stir in parmesan cheese. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Combine
Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Stir sauce continuously when melting cream cheese to avoid lumps.
- Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
How to Serve
Serve this creamy Cajun pasta with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread pairs wonderfully for soaking up the extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw shrimp completely before cooking for even cooking.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with mascarpone or increase heavy cream slightly.
3. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely, pasta shapes like penne, linguine, or rigatoni work well.
4. How spicy is the dish?
The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning; adjust according to preference.
5. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare components ahead and combine before serving.
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
7. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions.
8. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Cook sauce on low heat and stir frequently to maintain smoothness.
9. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy.
10. Can I omit the Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but the dish will have a milder, less spicy flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that brings bold, comforting flavors to your table. With tender proteins, a rich and spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a gourmet-quality dinner at home. Whether for weeknight meals or entertaining guests, it’s sure to satisfy cravings for creamy, spicy goodness.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish, combining tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich, spicy cream sauce over perfectly cooked fettuccine. Easy to make and packed with bold Cajun seasoning, it’s a satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
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8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
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2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
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½ pound shrimp (31/40 size recommended), thawed and peeled
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided, use low or no salt variety if preferred)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)
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4 ounces cream cheese (about half a block)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Season Protein:
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with garlic powder and ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning. In a separate bowl, toss shrimp with remaining ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning. -
Cook Chicken and Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside with chicken. -
Make Sauce:
Lower heat to medium. In the skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Add Cheese:
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine:
Return cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss everything together gently until pasta is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. - Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
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Use low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt levels.
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You can substitute penne or linguine if preferred.
-
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but sauce will be less rich.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, American