Description
This creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta is a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender shrimp, juicy chicken, and al dente pasta are tossed in a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
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 (divided)
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)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Protein:
- Season the shrimp and chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
Add extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 200mg