Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the bold, spicy flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta to turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special. The rich, velvety sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while the juicy shrimp and tender chicken pack a punch of savory goodness. It's a dish that feels indulgent but comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families and spice lovers alike.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when trying to recreate a favorite restaurant dish at home. After a few tweaks, I found the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and protein-packed satisfaction. Now, it's a staple in our household—one that never fails to impress.

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

First off, it's incredibly easy and quick to make. While it tastes like something from a high-end restaurant, you can have this dish ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.

It's also perfectly spicy. The Cajun seasoning brings just the right amount of heat, but you can easily adjust it to suit your taste. Whether you like a little kick or a full-on fiery experience, this dish adapts beautifully.

Another great thing? It's a one-pan wonder (aside from boiling the pasta). Fewer dishes mean less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Finally, this recipe is super versatile. You can switch up the protein, tweak the spice levels, or add extra veggies to make it your own. However you customize it, it always turns out delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of taste and texture.

Pasta serves as the base of this dish. I prefer using fettuccine or penne, as both hold the creamy sauce beautifully. If you want a lighter option, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well too.

Chicken and shrimp provide the perfect combination of textures. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein and plump, juicy shrimp for a seafood twist. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Cajun seasoning is the heart of the dish. A good quality store-bought blend works fine, but making your own gives you full control over the spice level. It’s a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano, creating a smoky, slightly spicy kick.

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make the sauce luxuriously creamy. You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you want to cut back on richness, but the full-fat version gives the best results.

A cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan works best for cooking the proteins and developing flavor. Make sure to deglaze with a little chicken broth or pasta water to capture all the delicious browned bits.

How To Make This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Creating this flavorful dish is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Next, add the shrimp to the same pan, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can turn rubbery. Once done, transfer them to a plate with the chicken.

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onions in a bit of butter until fragrant and translucent. Stir in additional Cajun seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. Then, pour in heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Once the sauce starts to simmer, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Toss in the cooked pasta, followed by the chicken and shrimp, ensuring everything gets evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.

Let everything simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them properly to maintain freshness.

This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Since the sauce thickens when chilled, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat for the best results. Stir occasionally and add a little extra liquid as needed. While the microwave works in a pinch, the sauce may separate slightly.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish since the creamy sauce doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations you can try:

If you're not a fan of shrimp, swap it out for extra chicken or even sliced andouille sausage for a smoky Cajun twist.

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious.

Prefer it extra spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle in some hot sauce at the end to really amp up the heat.

You can also add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

If you're avoiding dairy, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

No matter how you tweak it, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is sure to be a hit at your table. Give it a try and make it your own!

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