Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's something truly magical about the bold flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta. The smoky spice of Cajun seasoning blends perfectly with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a luscious cream sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. With just the right amount of heat and a velvety texture, this dish is comfort food at its finest.

I first fell in love with this dish during a trip to New Orleans, where the mix of spice, cream, and fresh seafood created an unforgettable meal. Bringing that experience home, I crafted this easy, one-pan recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for a special occasion.

If you're craving something rich, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors, this pasta dish is for you!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is packed with flavor and easy to make.

First, it's a one-pan wonder. That means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. Everything—from the protein to the creamy sauce—comes together in a single pan for ultimate convenience.

The flavor is out of this world. The Cajun seasoning infuses every bite with a smoky, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream sauce.

It's also quick and easy. In under 40 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table, making it perfect for weeknights when time is tight but flavor is non-negotiable.

And let's not forget its versatility. Swap out the shrimp for all chicken, use a different pasta shape, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. However you make it, this dish is a winner.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here's what makes each component shine:

Chicken and shrimp are the stars of this dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. For the shrimp, opt for medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to ensure a juicy bite every time.

Cajun seasoning is what brings the signature bold and smoky flavor. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and a touch of oregano and thyme. Adjust the amount to control the spice level.

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the creamy, luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth that balances the heat of the Cajun spices.

Garlic and onion provide an aromatic foundation that enhances the overall depth of flavor. Freshly minced garlic works best, while a finely diced onion helps build a rich sauce base.

For the pasta, penne or fettuccine work exceptionally well, as they hold onto the sauce beautifully. However, you can experiment with your favorite pasta shapes.

You'll also need a large skillet or pan to cook everything seamlessly in one dish.

How To Make This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Cooking this flavorful pasta is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for the perfect dish every time.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Be sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as it can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Next, add the shrimp to the same skillet, adding more Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them and set aside with the chicken.

In the same skillet, melt a bit of butter and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the pan, tossing them in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and mix everything well, letting the sauce coat each bite. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Simmer for a minute, then remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn't likely!), this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.

This dish isn't ideal for freezing, as the cream sauce can separate upon thawing, but if you must, freeze it for up to a month and reheat gently on the stove.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways to customize it to your taste:

• Make it spicier by adding extra Cajun seasoning, a dash of cayenne, or even sliced jalapeños.
• Swap out the protein by using only shrimp, only chicken, or even adding sausage for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Use a different pasta like rigatoni, bowtie, or even spaghetti if you prefer a different texture.
• Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the Parmesan.
• Go gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensuring your Cajun seasoning is free from fillers.

No matter how you tweak it, this pasta will remain a creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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