why make this recipe
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a delicious and hearty dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The combination of shrimp and chicken with a creamy sauce and Cajun spices brings a burst of flavor to your table. This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to whip up something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp and chicken with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
how to serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Serve the Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta in bowls, and sprinkle some additional parsley on top for color. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread, making it a complete meal.
how to store Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.
tips to make Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the shrimp and chicken.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- If you want more vegetables, add some bell peppers or spinach in with the garlic.
variation
You can customize this recipe by swapping out the shrimp and chicken for other proteins like scallops or sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms and more vegetables instead of meat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Mix them together right before serving for the best taste.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. You can reduce the amount or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta?
A: While you can freeze the pasta, dairy-based sauces may change in texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
A delicious and hearty dish featuring shrimp and chicken in a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp and chicken with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg