Tangy Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pasta nights reach new heights with this creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta that promises a flavor explosion on your plate.

Spicy, rich, and absolutely irresistible, the dish combines tender proteins with a velvety sauce that dances across your taste buds.

Cajun seasoning brings a bold kick to every forkful, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

The combination of succulent shrimp and juicy chicken makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser for any dinner gathering.

Layers of complex flavors meld together, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering culinary adventure that brings the spirit of Louisiana right to your dining table.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning and can I make it at home?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs. You can easily mix these spices at home in equal proportions for a homemade version.

• How spicy is this Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes you use. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference. If you prefer mild flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine or linguine are ideal for this creamy pasta dish as they hold the sauce well. Their wider, flat shape helps capture the rich, creamy sauce and protein pieces perfectly.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta Magic

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Ingredients Needed For Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor to the pasta dish.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that brings a sweet and delicate taste to the recipe.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the main carrier for the creamy sauce.

• Cream, Milk: Rich dairy components that create a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Flavorful cheeses that add depth and creaminess to the sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika: Spicy and smoky spice blend that gives the dish its signature Cajun profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and pungent flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhancing seasonings that adjust the overall taste and heat level.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help with sautéing and adding richness to the dish.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright and clean finishing touch to the pasta.

Cooking Creamy Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in a generously salted water until tender. Drain and let rest while preparing other components.

Step 2: Spice Up Proteins

Generously coat shrimp and chicken with Cajun seasoning for bold, zesty flavors.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

• Olive oil
• Chicken

Heat skillet over medium flame.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Shrimp

• Butter
• Shrimp

In same skillet, melt butter and cook shrimp until they turn vibrant pink and become translucent. Set aside.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Smoked paprika
• Remaining Cajun seasoning

Reduce heat and gently sauté garlic. Blend cream, milk, cheeses, and seasonings until silky smooth.

Step 6: Merge Ingredients

Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp with sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while hot.

Tips For Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta

• Choose a hearty pasta like penne or fettuccine that holds sauce well and provides great texture.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat level, using mild for kids or extra spicy for heat lovers.
• Replace shrimp or chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Use half-and-half or whole milk for lighter sauce, or add extra cheese for richer consistency.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or green onions for bright, zesty flavor and added color complexity.

Flavor Variations For Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace shrimp and chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and seasoned with Cajun spices for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like rice noodles or chickpea pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-fat alternative that still maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Seafood Variation: Use only seafood by replacing chicken with additional shrimp or adding scallops, maintaining the Cajun seasoning profile for an ocean-focused meal.

Presentation Ideas For Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the spicy Cajun flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and add a complementary texture to the pasta dish.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Chilled Beer: Choose a light lager or wheat beer to cool down the Cajun spice and refresh the palate between bites of the rich, creamy pasta.

Storing Cajun Shrimp Chicken Pasta Correctly

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and cooled to room temperature before storing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet, add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture, stir gently over medium-low heat until heated through, approximately 45 minutes.

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 delivers a spicy Southern symphony of flavors dancing across your plate. Hearty protein, zesty seasonings, and rich sauce combine for a restaurant-quality meal that brings New Orleans charm straight to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 lb chicken breast (diced)

Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted water bath to a rolling boil and immerse pasta, cooking until it reaches a tender al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Liberally coat both shrimp and chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach complete internal doneness, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer protein to a holding plate.
4. Melt butter in the identical skillet, then introduce shrimp. Cook until shellfish transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent, roughly 2-3 minutes per surface. Remove and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. Incorporate cream, milk, Parmesan, cheddar, smoked paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Whisk until sauce achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Reunite pasta, previously cooked chicken, and shrimp within the sauce-filled skillet. Gently toss until every element becomes luxuriously coated.
7. Fine-tune seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt intake and prevent overpowering flavors.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Keep protein proteins separate during cooking to maintain individual textures and prevent overcrowding in the skillet.
• Adjust cream-based sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick during final mixing stage.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 573 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg