Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The Cajun seasoning adds the perfect amount of spice and depth to this creamy pasta.
- Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes of total cook time, this recipe is quick enough for a busy evening but impressive enough for guests.
- Comforting: The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and shrimp creates a satisfying and indulgent dish.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, switch up the pasta, or even use different proteins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta (or your choice of pasta) until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Meat: Season the shrimp and diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the shrimp and chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Different Pasta: Use penne, fettuccine, or any other pasta variety for a slightly different texture.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings for convenience.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the pasta without the shrimp and chicken, as seafood can lose its texture when frozen. Reheat the sauce separately, then add freshly cooked shrimp and chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a non-dairy version.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the pasta is best fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp when ready to serve.
4. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
5. Can I use other proteins instead of chicken and shrimp?
Yes! This recipe works well with other proteins like sausage, turkey
6. Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce, depending on your preferences.
7. What pasta can I use besides rotini?
You can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even linguine for a different texture.
8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
9. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Make sure to stir the sauce constantly while cooking, and don’t overheat it. If you need to reheat the sauce, do so gently over low heat.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with bold, spicy flavors and creamy goodness. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, as it’s quick to make, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy it as is or make your own variations, this pasta is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta brings together tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. With a perfect balance of spice and creaminess, it’s a comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and full of bold flavors. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this pasta will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of your 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
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Meat: Season the shrimp and diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken and shrimp for tofu or tempeh.
- Different Pasta: Use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of choice.
- Cheese Variety: Try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
