Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 chicken breasts, sliced; ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

There's nothing quite like the bold, smoky flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta to spice up your dinner routine. This dish brings together juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun seasoning for a meal that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

I first fell in love with this dish on a trip to New Orleans, where the fusion of spices and creaminess created a pasta unlike anything I had ever tasted. Since then, I’ve perfected this homemade version, ensuring it’s just as flavorful but simple to make. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or just looking for a satisfying meal, this one is sure to be a hit!

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

Get ready to add this creamy, spicy, and comforting dish to your meal rotation. Here’s why you’ll love it:

First off, it’s bursting with flavor. The combination of smoky Cajun seasoning, tender proteins, and a velvety sauce creates a dish that’s both bold and satisfying.

It’s also quick and easy to make. In just 30-40 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table, perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited.

Not to mention, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.

Finally, this recipe is a one-pan wonder. With minimal dishes to clean up, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious meal.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta comes from a few key ingredients that work together to create its rich, spicy, and creamy flavor profile.

Cajun seasoning is the star of the show, infusing the dish with smoky, spicy, and slightly garlicky flavors. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend for a custom spice level.

For the protein, a combination of shrimp and chicken adds variety and depth. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, while large shrimp bring a tender, juicy bite to the dish.

The pasta acts as the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce. Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Heavy cream and parmesan cheese give the sauce its luxurious texture. The heavy cream creates a rich consistency, while parmesan adds a nutty depth that balances the Cajun spices.

A large cast-iron skillet or deep sauté pan is ideal for cooking this dish, as it allows for even heat distribution and helps develop those flavorful browned bits at the bottom of the pan.

How To Make This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Creating this dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for the best results.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Next, sear the shrimp in the same skillet, cooking for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer them to the same plate as the chicken.

In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and stir in the parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.

Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, toss in the pasta, and stir everything together to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Storage Options

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge, but you can reheat it with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its silky texture.

For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove over low heat.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary preferences.

If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy and flavorful.

For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and shrimp and use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini instead. The vegetables will absorb the Cajun seasoning beautifully.

If you love extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. While parmesan is classic, a mix of sharp cheddar or gouda can add a unique depth to the sauce.

No matter how you make it, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it out, and let me know how you customize yours!