Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Comfort meets spice in this irresistible Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

Southern culinary magic weaves through each delectable bite of this creamy, bold dish.

Tender chicken and succulent shrimp dance in a rich, spicy sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta.

Aromatic Cajun seasonings create a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to Louisiana’s vibrant kitchens.

The blend of protein and creamy sauce offers a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

Simple ingredients come together to create an extraordinary dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Shrimp: Seafood that adds a sweet and tender texture to the pasta dish.
• Chicken: Lean protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the meal.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Create a rich and smooth base for the Cajun sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provide creamy depth and a tangy cheese flavor to the sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika: Deliver bold, spicy Cajun-style taste and warm complexity.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and traditional savory undertones.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Help cook proteins and create a smooth cooking surface.
• Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Allow final seasoning adjustments for personal taste preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish with herbal notes.

• Pasta: Serves as the foundational carbohydrate that absorbs the creamy Cajun sauce.

How to Cook Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in a generously salted pot of water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and keep warm to the side.

Step 2: Spice Up the Protein

Generously coat shrimp and chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every piece gets a flavorful massage.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are completely cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, melt butter and cook shrimp until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 5: Create the Aromatic Base

Lower the heat to medium-low and add minced garlic. Let it sizzle and release its incredible aroma for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Craft the Creamy Sauce

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

Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 7: Combine and Coat

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet.

Toss everything together so each morsel gets a luxurious coating of the spicy, creamy sauce.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust with salt and red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve piping hot. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Creamy Cajun Pasta Perfection

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, using less for mild flavors or more for extra kick.
• Replace shrimp or chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Use different cheese blends like mozzarella or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier or celiac-friendly options.
• Add more milk if sauce becomes too thick, stirring continuously for smooth texture.

Flavor Variations for Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace shrimp and chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cut into cubes and seasoned with Cajun spices for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta like rice noodles or chickpea pasta, ensuring all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Seafood Lovers' Edition: Substitute chicken with additional shrimp or add mixed seafood like scallops and crab meat for an oceanic protein boost.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy Cajun flavor profile.

Pairings That Go Well with Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the spicy Cajun flavors with its bright, zesty profile.
• Complement Refreshing Beer: Light lager or wheat beer neutralizes the dish's richness, offering a clean, crisp counterpoint to the heavy cream and bold spices.
• Balance Citrus Cocktail: Fresh margarita or mojito with lime provides a tangy contrast, enhancing the seafood and chicken's robust Cajun seasoning.
• Serve Sparkling Water: Chilled mineral water with lemon slice cleanses the palate between bites, refreshing the taste buds and highlighting the pasta's complex flavors.

Storage Advice for Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or milk to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, bold Louisiana-style flavor.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning amount or use a mild version to control the heat level while maintaining the signature flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the pasta contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour.

• What type of shrimp works best?

Medium to large-sized raw shrimp with shells removed work perfectly, ensuring tender and quick-cooking seafood in this creamy pasta dish.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Cajun shrimp and chicken dance together in this mouthwatering pasta masterpiece, promising Southern comfort with bold spices and rich flavors. Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned proteins guarantee a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Spices:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Liberally coat chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Sear chicken in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, roughly 5-6 minutes. Transfer to separate plate.
4. Without cleaning skillet, quickly sauté shrimp until they transform to vibrant pink and become translucent, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low, introducing minced garlic and allowing aromatics to develop for 1-2 minutes.
6. Create luxurious sauce by whisking together heavy cream, milk, Parmesan, cheddar, smoked paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning until silky and uniform.
7. Reunite pasta, chicken, and shrimp within sauce, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating.
8. Fine-tune flavor profile with additional salt and red pepper flakes according to personal preference.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across dish for bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to match personal heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually adding more for perfect flavor balance.
• Easily swap shrimp or chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda or fontina for unique flavor profiles and added depth to the creamy sauce.
• Toast the Cajun seasoning briefly in the pan before adding proteins to intensify the spice and develop a more complex taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 533 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg