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
Scale
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
