Homemade Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a creamy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta that dances with bold, zesty flavors can turn an ordinary dinner into a celebration.

Southern spices weave their magic through tender protein and silky sauce, creating a dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with fiery seasonings, promising an adventure for your taste buds.

Our recipe blends seafood and poultry in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.

Each forkful carries the spirit of louisiana’s vibrant cuisine, bringing restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

Those craving a meal with personality will find this combination irresistible.

You won’t be able to resist the tempting aroma and complex layers of this incredible pasta creation.

Everything You Need For Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: Classic choice for a hearty, filling main dish that absorbs the rich Cajun sauce.

• Shrimp, Chicken: Tender proteins that bring bold Cajun flavor and protein-packed goodness; choose fresh, high-quality seafood and chicken breast for best results.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce base with rich texture.
• Butter: Adds depth and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice mix that delivers authentic Louisiana-style heat and complexity; look for a balanced blend without excessive salt.
• Garlic, Onion: Aromatic foundations that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish that complements the creamy sauce; freshly grated recommended.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and light herbal notes.

How To Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Fast

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Toss in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture with a slight bite. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready to become the base of your delicious dish.

Step 2: Season and Sizzle Chicken

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Lay the seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Cook thoroughly until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and has those mouthwatering caramelized edges.

Step 3: Sauté Succulent Shrimp

In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Toss in the shrimp, coating them with the remaining Cajun spices. Cook quickly, watching for the telltale sign of perfectly cooked seafood – when they curl and turn a beautiful pink-orange color. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Whisk the ingredients together, creating a smooth, rich sauce that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Reunite all the stars of the dish – pasta, chicken, and shrimp – in the creamy Cajun sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta and morsel of protein gets a luxurious coating of the spicy, creamy goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Transfer to serving plates, creating a stunning presentation that promises a flavor explosion with every bite.

Easy Tips For Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Spice Control: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance. Start with less and gradually add more for a personalized spice level that won't overwhelm your taste buds.
• Protein Perfection: Pat shrimp and chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in maximum flavor when searing.
• Pasta Timing: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce later. This prevents mushy noodles and maintains a pleasant texture throughout the dish.
• Cream Sauce Rescue: If the sauce breaks or appears too thick, whisk in a little chicken broth or pasta water to restore smooth, silky consistency.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the creamy pasta.

How To Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• When ready to enjoy, warm slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for convenient meals later, keeping for up to 2 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Perfect Pairings With Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Boost Spicy Flavors with Chardonnay: A crisp, slightly buttery Chardonnay perfectly balances the bold Cajun spices, creating a harmonious taste experience that cools down the dish's heat while complementing its creamy texture.
• Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread becomes the ideal sidekick, helping to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and providing a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp and chicken.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the dish's richness, adding a zesty, crisp element that brightens the entire meal and provides a palate-cleansing effect.
• Match with Bold Red Zinfandel: For red wine lovers, a spicy Zinfandel offers a robust flavor that stands up to the Cajun seasoning, bringing out the dish's depth and adding an extra layer of complexity to each bite.

New Ways To Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Seafood Fusion: Replace chicken with tender crab meat or scallops for an oceanic seafood experience that elevates the classic Cajun pasta.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shrimp and chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms and roasted bell peppers to create a hearty plant-based version that maintains the rich, spicy Cajun flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Trade traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping the signature Cajun cream sauce and protein intact for a lighter, nutrient-dense meal.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Customize the heat by reducing or increasing Cajun seasoning and adding fresh jalapeños or chili flakes to suit individual spice preferences.

FAQs About Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• What makes the Cajun seasoning special in this recipe?

The Cajun seasoning blends paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and other spices to create a bold, zesty flavor that gives the dish its signature Louisiana-style heat and complexity.

• Can I substitute the shrimp or chicken if I prefer?

Absolutely! You can use different proteins like andouille sausage, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just ensure you cook the protein thoroughly before adding it to the creamy sauce.

• How spicy is this Cajun pasta dish?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, allowing you to customize the spiciness to your preference.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?

While not strictly a one-pot meal, it’s relatively quick and easy to prepare. You’ll use separate pots for pasta and sauce, but the overall cooking process is straightforward and doesn’t require complex techniques.

Why Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Is Crave-Worthy

• Spice Up Your Weeknight Routine: This Cajun-inspired pasta delivers bold, zesty flavors that transform an ordinary dinner into an exciting culinary adventure, breaking the monotony of typical weeknight meals.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet Experience: Prepared in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious comfort food.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combining tender chicken and succulent shrimp with creamy pasta, the dish appeals to both adults and kids, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a satisfying and flavorful meal.
• Customize with Confidence: Easily adaptable by adjusting spice levels or swapping proteins, this recipe allows home chefs to personalize the dish to match their family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with a spicy, rich blend of proteins and pasta. Hearty flavors dance through each bite, promising a satisfying meal that will transport kitchen explorers straight to Louisiana’s culinary heart.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 0.5 pound (226 grams) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Submerge pasta into the bubbling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, following package guidelines for precise timing.
3. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, gently shaking to remove excess water, and set aside in a warm location.
4. Season chicken and shrimp with a robust Cajun spice blend, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic mixture.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, adding a drizzle of olive oil to create a sizzling surface.
6. Sear the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, with crispy edges and a juicy interior, then transfer to a waiting plate.
7. In the same skillet, introduce the shrimp, cooking quickly until they turn a vibrant pink and develop a slight char, then remove and set alongside the chicken.
8. Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic and shallots, allowing them to become fragrant and translucent without burning.
9. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce that begins to thicken and bubble.
10. Incorporate grated parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and fully integrated into the creamy base.
11. Reintroduce the cooked chicken and shrimp to the sauce, gently coating each piece with the rich, spicy mixture.
12. Combine the prepared pasta with the Cajun protein and cream sauce, tossing delicately to ensure even distribution of flavors.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for an extra flavor punch.
14. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot, presenting a colorful and aromatic meal.

Notes

• Choose shrimp with consistent size for even cooking and attractive presentation.
• Select high-quality chicken breasts trimmed of excess fat to ensure tender, juicy meat.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg