Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe: Zesty Comfort Food

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta recipe delivers pure magic.

Bold spices dance across tender proteins in a symphony of flavor.

The rich, velvety sauce coats each noodle with zesty warmth and depth.

Succulent shrimp and juicy chicken create a protein-packed experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Every forkful brings a delightful kick of cajun seasoning that wakes up your taste buds.

These vibrant ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that’s restaurant-worthy yet simple to prepare.

Cajun Pasta Variations and Options

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken and shrimp with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, seasoned with Cajun spices for a similar flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the creamy Cajun sauce and protein components.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free adaptation.

Serving Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

• Zesty Dinner Companion: Pair this spicy pasta with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich, creamy sauce and cool down the Cajun heat.
• Colorful Side Kick: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a bright, tangy contrast to the hearty main dish and provide a light vegetable component.
• Bread Buddy: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted French baguette slices to soak up the delicious Cajun cream sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Green Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to boost visual appeal and add a subtle, fresh herbal note that complements the spicy protein flavors.

Pasta Storage Ideas for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces for best quality.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other herbs used to add spicy, bold flavor to dishes.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce or omit red pepper flakes and use less Cajun seasoning to lower the heat level while maintaining flavor.

• Is Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta healthy?

Moderate in protein from shrimp and chicken, but high in calories due to heavy cream and cheese. Balance with vegetable portions for a more nutritious meal.

• What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are ideal for this creamy sauce, holding the sauce well and providing good texture.

Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, Why You’ll Want More

• Whip Up a Spicy Sensation: This Cajun pasta brings explosive flavors that dance on your taste buds with a perfect blend of chicken, shrimp, and zesty spices.
• Master a Restaurant-Quality Dish: Create a gourmet meal at home that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional kitchen, impressing family and friends with minimal cooking skills.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the delicious core flavors intact.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.

Key Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor to the pasta dish.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a delicate oceanic taste to the recipe.

• Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Blend of spices that provides a bold, zesty Cajun kick to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Pasta: Foundation of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help develop rich flavors and prevent sticking.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy components that create a luxurious sauce.
• Bell Pepper, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add color and light vegetable sweetness.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb used for garnishing and adding a fresh note to the final dish.

Cooking Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta following the package directions.

Drain the pasta and set it aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sizzle Protein Base

Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add seasoned chicken and shrimp coated with Cajun spice blend.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, which takes about 5-6 minutes.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 4: Prepare Shrimp

Cook shrimp in the same pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become slightly crispy.

Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Diced bell pepper
• Halved cherry tomatoes

Sauté the vegetables for approximately 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Remaining Cajun seasoning

Stir the ingredients and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 7: Combine Proteins and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the pan.

Gently stir to ensure they are completely coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Mix Pasta

Add the previously cooked pasta to the skillet.

Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly distributed and coated with the sauce.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve the pasta warm and enjoy the rich, spicy Cajun flavors.

Tips for Spicy Shrimp Pasta Success

• Use lean chicken breast and wild-caught shrimp to maximize healthy protein without excess fat.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to create mild or extra-hot versions based on personal heat tolerance.
• Add spinach, zucchini, or asparagus during sautéing to increase nutritional value and vegetable intake.
• Reduce heat when adding cream and stir continuously to prevent sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
• Cook protein and chop vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce total preparation time.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta brings southern spice and comfort to your dinner table. Rich with bold flavors and silky sauce, this hearty dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and creamy indulgence you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, sliced
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Primary Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta following package directions, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Generously coat chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
4. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes, achieving a golden-brown exterior; transfer to a separate plate.
5. Cook shrimp in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crisp; remove and set aside.
6. Introduce minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes to release aromatics.
7. Create a luxurious sauce by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, paprika, red pepper flakes, and remaining Cajun seasoning; simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Reintroduce chicken and shrimp to the pan, gently coating them in the creamy sauce.
9. Incorporate cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly to ensure even sauce distribution and complete integration of ingredients.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount to suit personal heat tolerance.
• Swap chicken or shrimp with tofu, turkey, or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Use coconut cream or lactose-free cream for dairy-sensitive individuals without compromising rich sauce texture.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini to enhance nutritional value and add extra color to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 412 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg