Description
Succulent chicken and shrimp dance together in this irresistible Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, creating a luxurious Italian-inspired feast. Creamy parmesan sauce and perfectly seasoned proteins promise a delightful dinner that will satisfy your most discerning palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta and Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in a large pot of boiling water, cooking until al dente at approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain completely and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature (375°F). Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning.
- Sear chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes, ensuring each side develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches full internal cooking temperature.
- Remove chicken from skillet, then immediately add shrimp with remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink color and appear opaque throughout.
- Transfer shrimp to the same plate as chicken, maintaining their warmth.
- Reduce skillet heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for approximately 45-60 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer while gradually incorporating Parmesan cheese.
- Whisk continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety Alfredo sauce.
- Reintroduce chicken and shrimp to the sauce, gently folding to ensure thorough coating.
- Add drained fettuccine, tossing carefully to distribute sauce evenly.
- Perform final seasoning adjustment, incorporating additional salt or Cajun spice as desired.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for enhanced presentation.
Notes
- Perfectly drain pasta to prevent watery sauce, ensuring each strand gets coated with creamy Alfredo goodness.
- Consider using whole wheat fettuccine for a healthier twist that adds nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk to reduce calories and accommodate dairy-sensitive diets.
- Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning – use less for mild flavor or add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg