Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of bold flavors and creamy goodness. Succulent shrimp and tender chicken are coated in a rich, spicy Cajun sauce, making every bite a delicious explosion of flavor. Perfect for a hearty dinner!
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- Pasta: Your choice of pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well)
- Salt: For seasoning the pasta water
For the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into strips
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined
- Cajun Seasoning: To give the dish its signature bold and spicy flavor
- Olive Oil: For cooking
- Garlic: Minced garlic for extra flavor
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce
- Lemon Juice: For a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the sauce
For the Creamy Sauce
- Heavy Cream: The base of the creamy sauce
- Chicken Broth: For added depth in the sauce
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan to thicken the sauce and add flavor
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp: Season both the chicken and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, and pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce and heat through.
- Finish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, then serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can swap out the chicken for sausage if you prefer.
- Add fresh parsley or basil for garnish to brighten up the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Keywords: Cajun, Shrimp, Chicken, Pasta, Creamy, Spicy, Comfort Food, Dinner, One-Pot