Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a spicy, comforting dish perfect for dinner any night of the week. With tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini pasta or any short pasta of choice
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Season the diced chicken breast with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and add it to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and add them to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
4. Step 4: Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking to combine. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Stir in the cooked chicken and shrimp, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.

Tips & Variations

• Use penne or fusilli if you prefer a different pasta shape that holds sauce well.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk (sauce will be less rich).
• Add bell peppers or spinach to the skillet before adding the sauce for extra veggies.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create your own blend.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 114 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a spicy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and succulent shrimp tossed with rotini pasta in a rich, cheesy Cajun cream sauce. This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines the zest of Cajun seasoning with creamy textures, making it a perfect dinner for those who love a little heat balanced with indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz rotini pasta or any short pasta of choice

Protein

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced

Seasonings and Oil

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Dairy and Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breast with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
4. Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking to combine. Gradually add Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, whisking until melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add Flavor to the Sauce: Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce. Stir in cooked chicken and shrimp, ensuring even distribution. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
7. Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.

Notes

• For extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
• You can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you prefer.
• Make sure not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• Adjust salt according to your preference and the saltiness of the cheese used.
• Reserve pasta water is helpful to thin out the sauce without diluting the flavor.
• Use fresh parsley to add a bright, fresh finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, chicken and shrimp pasta, spicy pasta recipe, Cajun seasoning, comfort food, creamy Cajun sauce