Heavenly Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe

My latest culinary adventure features a creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta that promises pure deliciousness.

Spicy flavors dance across tender proteins nestled in rich, velvety sauce.

Zesty seasonings spark excitement with every single bite.

Southern comfort meets gourmet flair through carefully balanced ingredients.

Seafood and poultry combine in a symphony of textures that will leave you craving more.

Unexpected spice levels make this dish stand out from typical weeknight meals.

Grab your skillet and let’s create something extraordinary that will impress everyone at the table.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace shrimp and chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, seasoned with Cajun spices for similar flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-fat, tangy version of the creamy sauce.
• Seafood-Only Option: Remove chicken completely and increase shrimp quantity, adding additional seafood like scallops or crab meat for a maritime-focused dish.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to balance the Cajun spice and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness while complementing the dish’s bold flavors.

Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which adds brightness and cuts through the heavy cream sauce, providing a light contrast to the hearty pasta.

Choose a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer that refreshes the palate and reduces the spice intensity, creating a smooth drinking experience with each pasta bite.

Add roasted garlic bread as a side, which helps soak up the delicious sauce and provides a complementary texture that highlights the shrimp and chicken’s savory profile.

Storing Instructions for Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or milk to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent sauce separation. Stir continuously to maintain creamy texture.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish's original taste and texture.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme that adds bold, zesty flavor to dishes.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they are fully deveined to prevent excess moisture during cooking.

• How spicy is this Cajun Pasta?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes used. For less heat, reduce the seasoning or omit red pepper flakes entirely.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Details

• Speed Up Dinner: This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in less than an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Protein Power Punch: Combining succulent shrimp and tender chicken creates a protein-rich dish that satisfies hunger and provides balanced nutrition for the whole family.
• Spice Up Your Meal: The Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick of flavor, transforming an ordinary pasta dish into an exciting culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds and breaks meal monotony.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: With its creamy sauce and hearty ingredients, this pasta recipe appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients List for Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood that adds a delicate, sweet flavor to the pasta dish.
• Chicken: A lean protein that provides hearty substance to the creamy Cajun pasta.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the base for this creamy Cajun dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: These cheeses create a rich, tangy, and melty sauce that coats the pasta.

• Cajun Seasoning: A bold spice blend that gives the dish its signature Cajun kick and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds aromatic complexity to the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky undertone that complements the Cajun seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice that can increase the heat level of the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: These dairy ingredients create a smooth, velvety sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce texture.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and providing a base for cooking.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

Preparation Guide for Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring water to a rolling boil.

Drop pasta into boiling water and cook until tender but firm. Drain pasta completely and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Season the Protein

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over both chicken and shrimp. Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spicy blend.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium temperature. Place chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook each piece until golden brown and completely cooked through. Look for a crispy exterior and white center.

Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, melt butter until it sizzles.

Add shrimp and cook quickly. Watch for color transformation from gray to vibrant pink.

Flip once during cooking to ensure even heat distribution. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Lower skillet heat to medium-low. Toss minced garlic into the pan and let it become fragrant.

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Smoked paprika
• Remaining Cajun seasoning

Stir ingredients until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Pour pasta into the creamy sauce.

Add cooked chicken and shrimp. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets coated with the rich sauce.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for brightness.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Transfer pasta to serving plates. Serve immediately while hot and sauce is creamy.

Expert Tips for Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Choose thick pasta like fettuccine or penne to better hold the creamy Cajun sauce.
• Remove chicken and shrimp immediately after cooking to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning according to personal heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Grate cheese freshly and add gradually to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce consistency.
• Replace shrimp with additional chicken or use vegetarian protein alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cajun spices dance through this irresistible Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, creating a symphony of Southern comfort. Rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned proteins promise a restaurant-quality meal that brings Louisiana’s bold flavors straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

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

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquids:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over chicken and shrimp, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach full internal doneness, roughly 5-6 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
4. In the identical skillet, melt butter and introduce shrimp. Cook until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet. Incorporate Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, smoked paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Whisk continuously until sauce achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
7. Combine pasta, chicken, and shrimp into the creamy sauce. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
8. Taste and refine seasoning with additional salt and red pepper flakes if desired.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt intake and customize spiciness levels according to personal preference.
• Pat shrimp and chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispy exterior when cooking.
• Use high-quality Parmesan and sharp cheddar for deeper, richer cheese flavor in the creamy sauce.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for lower-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg