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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 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.
- Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, gently shaking to remove excess water, and set aside in a warm location.
- Season chicken and shrimp with a robust Cajun spice blend, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic mixture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, adding a drizzle of olive oil to create a sizzling surface.
- Sear the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, with crispy edges and a juicy interior, then transfer to a waiting plate.
- 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.
- Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic and shallots, allowing them to become fragrant and translucent without burning.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce that begins to thicken and bubble.
- Incorporate grated parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and fully integrated into the creamy base.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken and shrimp to the sauce, gently coating each piece with the rich, spicy mixture.
- Combine the prepared pasta with the Cajun protein and cream sauce, tossing delicately to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for an extra flavor punch.
- 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