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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare pasta following package directions, then drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Generously coat chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes, achieving a golden-brown exterior; transfer to a separate plate.
- Cook shrimp in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crisp; remove and set aside.
- Introduce minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes to release aromatics.
- 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.
- Reintroduce chicken and shrimp to the pan, gently coating them in the creamy sauce.
- Incorporate cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly to ensure even sauce distribution and complete integration of ingredients.
- 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