Zesty Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe For Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something extraordinary, and this spicy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta recipe delivers bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Zesty seasonings meld perfectly with tender proteins, creating a mouthwatering dish that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Cajun cuisine brings its signature heat and depth to every single bite of this incredible meal.

Each forkful combines succulent shrimp and juicy chicken with al dente pasta, promising a culinary adventure.

The blend of spices transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal that celebrates the rich, fiery traditions of Louisiana cooking.

Prepare to savor every single, spice-packed moment of this incredible pasta feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 640 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Linguine: Sturdy pasta that holds creamy sauce beautifully, perfect for catching every delicious drop.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs Cajun spices, choose fresh, boneless cuts for tender texture.
• Shrimp: Sweet seafood that adds oceanic richness, select large, deveined shrimp for convenience.

• Cajun Seasoning: Zesty spice blend that delivers authentic Louisiana kick, look for balanced heat and depth.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce, select highest fat content for maximum smoothness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind sauce, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Garlic: Aromatic foundation that enhances overall dish complexity, choose fresh cloves for most vibrant taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté proteins and develops initial flavor layers, select extra virgin for best quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty finish, opt for freshly grated for most intense flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other seasonings, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground delivers most robust flavor.

Tools For Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water and salt.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and thoroughly.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for cooking chicken, shrimp, and creating the creamy Cajun sauce.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for chopping and prepping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing sauce and ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.

How To Prepare Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Boil Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Heat until rolling boils vigorously.

• Cook Pasta Perfectly

Drop pasta into boiling water and follow package timing for tender texture. Drain and set pasta aside.

• Sauté Protein

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.

• Cook Shrimp

In the same skillet, add shrimp and season with Cajun spices. Cook until pink and slightly curled, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Lower heat and add butter, minced garlic, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

• Combine Everything

Return chicken to skillet, add cooked shrimp and drained pasta. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with creamy Cajun sauce.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and add a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors of this delicious pasta dish.

Tips For Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Spice Control: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more gradually to prevent overwhelming spiciness.
• Protein Swap: Replace shrimp or chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sauce and proteins separately, storing them in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, reducing calories while maintaining creamy consistency. Choose whole wheat pasta for added nutritional value.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance nutrition by adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to increase vegetable content and create a more balanced meal.

Serving Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Nicely

• Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Serve this pasta on a large wooden platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an impressive centerpiece that sparks conversation.
• Southern Comfort Pairing: Complement the dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette and warm garlic bread to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the Cajun cream sauce.
• Wine Lover's Match: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy texture and enhance the seafood and chicken's zesty seasoning.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the pasta in a large communal bowl, allowing guests to serve themselves and enjoy the interactive, casual dining experience that celebrates Southern hospitality.

How To Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta

• Quick Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Strategy: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freezes successfully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Ingredient Separation: Keep shrimp and chicken separate from pasta when storing to prevent soggy textures. Reheat protein separately and combine just before serving for optimal taste and quality.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy cajun shrimp and chicken pasta blends spicy Louisianan flavors with rich, velvety sauce for an unforgettable meal. Comfort meets excitement in this one-pan dish that satisfies your craving for bold, Southern-inspired cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 0.5 lb (226 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 oz (226 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 tsps Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.75 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring salted water to a vigorous boil, submerge pasta, and cook until al dente, stirring intermittently to prevent clumping. Drain in a colander and set aside in a warm spot.
2. Protein Seasoning: Generously coat chicken and shrimp with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage of each morsel.
3. Protein Searing: Heat skillet with olive oil, sear chicken until golden and fully cooked, then transfer to a holding plate. In the same pan, quickly cook shrimp until pink and slightly charred, then remove.
4. Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat, sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant and translucent. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, thickening sauce.
5. Cheese Integration: Whisk in parmesan cheese until completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the creamy base.
6. Protein Reunion: Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the rich, spicy cream sauce.
7. Final Assembly: Delicately toss pasta with the Cajun-spiced protein and cream sauce, ensuring thorough flavor distribution.
8. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve immediately while piping hot, showcasing a vibrant and aromatic culinary creation.

Notes

• Manage Spice Intensity: Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to personal heat tolerance by reducing or increasing the spice blend, ensuring a comfortable yet flavorful experience for all palates.
• Prevent Seafood Overcooking: Cook shrimp quickly over high heat for just 2-3 minutes, watching for pink color and slight curl to maintain tender, succulent texture without becoming rubbery.
• Create Sauce Consistency: Whisk parmesan cheese gradually into cream, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, silky sauce that coats pasta evenly without separating.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Use cast iron skillet if possible for better heat retention and additional flavor development, allowing proteins to caramelize and create rich, complex taste profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg