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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

This Easy Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken and succulent shrimp with a luscious, Cajun-spiced cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers bold Southern flavors, rich creaminess, and a satisfying blend of textures perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized strips
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy & Oils

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Vegetables

  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized strips and season both the chicken and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning. Chop the bell peppers, mince the garlic, and have the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Sear the Chicken and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sear the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
  4. Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, forming a flavorful base for the sauce.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy Cajun sauce evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta to plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and savor the rich, bold flavors.

Notes

  • Season Generously: Use plenty of Cajun seasoning for authentic bold flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook Seafood: Watch shrimp carefully to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the depth of the sauce.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Use a splash to help bind sauce and pasta perfectly.
  • Choose the Right Pasta: Fettuccine or penne hold creamy sauces best; avoid very thin pastas.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, Southern recipe, Cajun seasoning, shrimp and chicken pasta, one-pan pasta dish, creamy pasta recipe