If you’re craving bold flavors and a hearty, comforting meal, this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish is a celebration of creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken and shrimp, and vibrant veggies, all tossed with tender pasta. Every bite is a party of spice and richness, making it the kind of dinner you’ll want to enjoy with friends and family around the table. The best part? It comes together quickly and looks (and tastes) like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering everything for this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a breeze! Each ingredient plays an important role, bringing together the perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine captures the creamy sauce beautifully, but you can use your favorite shape if that’s what you have on hand.
- Olive Oil: Helps create a golden sear on the chicken and shrimp and adds Mediterranean richness.
- Butter: Adds a luscious, silky base for sautéing and layers extra flavor into the sauce.
- Chicken Breast: Lean and juicy, it soaks up the Cajun seasoning for a flavorful bite.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook quickly and add a sweet, briny contrast to the chicken.
- Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show! Adjust to taste for your preferred level of heat and smokiness.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and gentle sweetness that balances the spice.
- Onion: Sliced onion brings subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and punch.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to the ultra-creamy, dreamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding nuttiness and extra creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for fine-tuning the seasoning just before serving.
- Chopped Parsley: A fresh, bright finish that makes each plate look restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’ll want it ready to toss straight into the creamy sauce later for maximum flavor absorption.
Step 2: Season the Chicken and Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken and shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece gets a good coating. This not only infuses the proteins with bold flavor, but it also helps them brown beautifully in the pan.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. When hot, add the chicken strips in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for a few minutes, then stir and cook until they’re golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—it’ll finish its journey in the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until pink and opaque. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove them to the plate with the chicken.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat slightly and add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize at the edges. Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe really starts to smell like magic!
Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce bubble for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta, seared chicken, and cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce envelopes every strand and every bite is loaded with flavor. Give the dish a final taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let it all simmer together for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. The bright green pops against the creamy sauce and adds a burst of freshness. Serve hot and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic, but you can make this dish your own by adding a little extra grated Parmesan or a dusting of Cajun seasoning on top. A wedge of lemon on the side also brings a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some simple steamed veggies. Warm, crusty bread is also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that creamy Cajun sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve the pasta in a large family-style platter with extra parsley and lemon slices for a festive look. For a more elegant presentation, twirl the pasta into little nests on individual plates and top each with a few shrimp and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so it’s a great option for meal prepping lunch or dinner ahead of time.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, though the creamy sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. For best results, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps revive the creamy sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. The microwave works too, but stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and linguine are classic choices, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work beautifully in this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
What if I want it spicier or milder?
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your liking. For more heat, add extra Cajun spice or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, reduce the seasoning and add a splash of cream to mellow the flavors.
Can I substitute the chicken or shrimp?
Yes! Try swapping the chicken for andouille sausage for more Southern flair, or use all shrimp for a lighter seafood pasta. You can even make it vegetarian by doubling the veggies and skipping the meat entirely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients in the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so just check your labels to be sure.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at medium or lower once you add the cream, and avoid boiling the sauce vigorously. Stirring in the Parmesan slowly also helps create a smooth, velvety sauce every time.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dish that’s bold, creamy, and beautifully balanced, you have to try this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your household!
Print
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta recipe features tender strips of chicken and succulent shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce with bell peppers and onions, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s a flavorful, hearty meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Protein
- 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Season and Cook Chicken and Shrimp: Season the chicken strips and shrimp with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning evenly. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Next, add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Add minced garlic and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine and Heat Through: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat with the sauce evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow all flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, creamy Cajun-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, substitute chicken with andouille sausage or add extra Cajun seasoning.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version without compromising flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference: use less for milder and more for spicier dish.
- Make sure to not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
