Description
This creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta combines tender chicken and succulent shrimp with a rich, flavorful Cajun-spiced cream sauce tossed with fettuccine or penne pasta. A perfect blend of spicy and creamy, this dish is quick to make and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with half the Cajun seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning over them. Cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Melt butter in the skillet and add minced garlic, sliced red bell pepper, and diced onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve the creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta warm. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving adds a refreshing acidity and enhances the flavors.
