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.
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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