Introduction
Creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, bringing bold flavors together in one comforting bowl. The first time I made this recipe, I was looking for something that combined protein, creaminess, and spice without requiring hours in the kitchen. This pasta delivered exactly that. The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth without overpowering the dish, while the cream sauce smooths everything out into a rich, satisfying finish. Shrimp and chicken work beautifully together, offering contrasting textures that make every bite interesting. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special, but it is also impressive enough to serve when guests come over. Once you master this pasta, it becomes one of those dependable recipes you can adjust and revisit again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is packed with flavor, comes together quickly, and uses familiar ingredients. It offers a balance of spice and creaminess that appeals to a wide range of tastes. You can easily adjust the heat level, change the protein, or modify the sauce without compromising the final result.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta That Tastes Like a Restaurant Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and flavorful pasta dish made with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and pasta tossed in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 225 g fettuccine or penne pasta
- 200 g chicken breast, sliced
- 200 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss the chicken and shrimp separately with half of the Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss well to coat evenly with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Pasta
Pasta acts as the base of the dish, soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce. Penne or fettuccine work especially well because they hold the sauce nicely.
Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and add a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the Cajun spices. Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.
Chicken Breast
Chicken provides heartiness and makes the dish more filling. When sliced thinly, it cooks evenly and stays tender.
Cajun Seasoning
This spice blend is the heart of the recipe. It adds heat, smokiness, and depth. You can adjust the quantity depending on your spice tolerance.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the rich, velvety sauce that brings everything together. It balances the spice and coats the pasta evenly.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan thickens the sauce slightly and adds a savory, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Garlic
Garlic adds aromatic depth and complements both the shrimp and chicken without overpowering them.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps build the base of the sauce.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the proteins and prevents sticking while adding subtle flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper
These seasonings help balance the creaminess and enhance the Cajun spices.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp and chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and cook the shrimp for one to two minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Lower the heat and melt the butter in the skillet. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is well coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, and total time is approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Variations and Customizations
This pasta is very flexible and can be adjusted easily. For a spicier version, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of chili flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the seasoning slightly and add more cream. You can also substitute the proteins; salmon, sausage, or even just shrimp work well.
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, keeping in mind the sauce will be thinner. Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms introduces more texture and color. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used without changing the cooking method, making this dish adaptable to different dietary needs.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Season proteins generously for deeper flavor.
Do not overcook shrimp, as they become rubbery quickly.
Reserve pasta water to control sauce thickness.
Add Parmesan gradually to avoid clumping.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but it can be reheated gently with added liquid.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It can be mild to hot depending on the brand and quantity used.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are all good options.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based sauces do not freeze well, so freezing is not recommended.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer slightly longer or add extra Parmesan.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers and spinach work particularly well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, just ensure they are fully cooked.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta is a bold yet comforting dish that brings together spice, richness, and satisfying textures. It is quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for special occasions, making it a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.
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