Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe That Sizzles

Crafting a mouthwatering cajun shrimp and chicken pasta brings pure culinary magic to your dinner table.

Bold spices dance through tender protein and silky noodles, creating a symphony of flavors.

Southern comfort meets gourmet excellence in this hearty dish that promises excitement on every forkful.

Robust seasonings capture the essence of louisiana cooking with remarkable depth and complexity.

Weeknight meals never looked this impressive or tasted so incredible.

Creamy sauce coats each ingredient, promising a sensational dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Creamy Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta Is A Winner

• Savor Bold Flavors: Packed with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, this dish delivers a mouthwatering punch of spicy and creamy flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Master a Restaurant-Quality Meal: Impress your family and friends with a professional-looking pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Food: Combines succulent shrimp and tender chicken in one satisfying meal, providing a perfect balance of protein and creamy pasta goodness.
• Quick One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking steps make this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds a delicate sweetness to the pasta dish.
• Chicken: Hearty protein that provides a satisfying texture and flavor base.

• Pasta: Classic pasta that serves as the perfect foundation for the creamy Cajun sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Flavorful cheeses that contribute depth and creaminess to the sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that delivers a signature Cajun flavor profile and heat.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky dimension to the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings for adjusting and enhancing the final flavor.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a savory and pungent base note.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help develop flavors and provide a smooth cooking process.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh visual and flavor accent to the finished dish.

How to Cook Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Drop pasta into a generously salted pot of bubbling water. Cook until the noodles are tender yet firm, following package instructions.

Carefully drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Spice Up Protein

Generously coat chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every piece is well-covered with the zesty blend.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Prepare Succulent Shrimp

In the same skillet, melt butter and add shrimp.

Cook until they turn a vibrant pink and become translucent, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 5: Infuse Garlic Aroma

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until its fragrant essence fills the kitchen, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Create Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Smoked paprika
• Remaining Cajun seasoning

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes silky smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Combine All Elements

Toss the cooked pasta, seared chicken, and succulent shrimp into the skillet.

Gently mix to ensure every morsel is generously coated with the rich Cajun sauce.

Step 8: Fine-Tune Flavors

Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Sprinkle in salt and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Scatter fresh parsley over the dish.

Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and inviting.

Tips to Nail Creamy Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
• Pat shrimp and chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown exterior and lock in maximum flavor.
• Grate cheese fresh for a smoother, more even sauce that melts beautifully and prevents clumping.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
• Cook proteins separately to prevent overcrowding the pan, guaranteeing each ingredient gets perfectly crisp and flavorful edges.

Variations for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

• Seafood Medley Pasta: Replace chicken with a mix of scallops, crab meat, and mussels for a luxurious ocean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Cajun Delight: Swap proteins with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and blackened tofu cubes for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Andouille Sausage Edition: Incorporate sliced andouille sausage alongside shrimp for a traditional Louisiana-style flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free option that maintains the rich Cajun sauce.

What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Sip Southern Zinfandel: Bold red wine with spicy Cajun notes perfectly complements the creamy, zesty pasta's rich flavors and cuts through the dish's intense seasoning.
• Pair Crisp Lager: Light, refreshing beer balances the heavy cream sauce and provides a clean palate contrast to the spicy Cajun chicken and shrimp.
• Elevate with Chardonnay: Buttery white wine with oak undertones matches the creamy sauce's richness while softening the dish's spicy kick.
• Toast with Sparkling Sangria: Fruity, bubbly cocktail adds brightness and tropical notes that dance with the pasta's vibrant Cajun seasoning.

Proper Storage of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping pasta and sauce separate to prevent sogginess.

Pack cooled pasta and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing shrimp for best texture.

Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water or cream, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying, stirring gently to maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What makes Cajun seasoning unique?

Cajun seasoning blends paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper, creating a bold, spicy flavor profile that originated in Louisiana’s Creole cuisine.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning amount or use a mild version. You can also add less red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to eat. Store the pasta, chicken, shrimp, and sauce in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta promises a spicy Southern culinary adventure that dances with bold flavors. Indulgent layers of tender proteins and rich sauce will transport diners straight to Louisiana’s heart, satisfying cravings with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Seasoning:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil and cook pasta until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Generously coat shrimp and chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken pieces until achieving a golden exterior and thorough internal cooking, roughly 5-6 minutes. Transfer protein to a holding plate.
4. Within the same skillet, melt butter and carefully sauté shrimp until transforming to a vibrant pink and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set alongside chicken.
5. Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low, introducing minced garlic and allowing aromatic development for 1-2 minutes.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, milk, Parmesan, cheddar, smoked paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Whisk continuously until sauce reaches a velvety, uniform consistency.
7. Gently fold pasta, chicken, and shrimp into the creamy sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating.
8. Fine-tune flavor profile with additional salt and red pepper flakes according to preference.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt levels for health-conscious diners.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Toast Cajun spices briefly in the skillet before adding proteins to enhance their deep, complex flavor profile.
• Cook seafood and chicken separately to prevent cross-contamination and ensure perfect doneness for each protein type.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg