🍤 Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a bold, comforting dish loaded with juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and pasta tossed in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. It’s smoky, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced with garlic, Parmesan, and cream. This restaurant-style meal comes together in about 40 minutes and is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Protein:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

• Salt (for boiling water)

Creamy Cajun Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup half-and-half (or milk for lighter option)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔪 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

• Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

2️⃣ Season & Cook the Chicken

• Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Cook chicken 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.

• Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

• Season shrimp with remaining Cajun seasoning.

• Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet.

• Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

• Remove and set aside.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter.

• Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes.

• Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

• Pour in heavy cream and half-and-half.

• Stir in Parmesan, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

• Simmer gently 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5️⃣ Combine Everything

• Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet.

• Add drained pasta and toss to coat.

• Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.

• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6️⃣ Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

• Serve immediately.

🔥 Tips for Best Flavor

• Don’t overcook shrimp — they cook very quickly.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce.

• For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.

• If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I make this less spicy?

Yes — reduce Cajun seasoning and omit red pepper flakes.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the end just to heat through.

Q3: Can I substitute the cream?

You can use all half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but leftovers keep in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Q5: What sides go well with this?

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Roasted asparagus

• Steamed broccoli