Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken and succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce served over fettuccine or penne pasta. Perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner, it offers a spicy, creamy twist on classic pasta with a delicious blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Dairy & Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids
- ½ cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes until browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and season with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the sautéed garlic and bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheese and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta and protein: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat with the creamy sauce.
- Heat through and serve: Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through completely. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot for a delicious Cajun-inspired pasta meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your preferred heat level or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce.
- Add sliced mushrooms along with the bell pepper for additional flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
