Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that combines the bold, spicy taste of Cajun seasoning with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta. The creamy, cheesy sauce balances the heat with rich, comforting goodness, making every bite a delight.

This dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, with vibrant bell peppers adding a pop of color and fresh parsley as a finishing touch. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality meal made right at home.

If you’re craving something indulgent, hearty, and a little bit spicy, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta will not disappoint. Get ready to dig into a plate full of flavor! 🍝🔥

This delicious Cajun-inspired dish combines tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and pasta in a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s packed with bold flavors and is perfect for a comforting dinner!

---

Ingredients:

For the Protein:

• 1 lb. chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1/2 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken:

• Season the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
• Season the shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
• Stir in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
• Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
• Bring to a simmer and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes.

5. Combine Everything:

• Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back to the skillet.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta, tossing everything together to coat.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

---

variations

Here are a few variations of the Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta that you can try:

1. Vegetarian Cajun Pasta

• Protein Substitute: Instead of chicken and shrimp, use grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. You can also add a protein-rich ingredient like tofu or tempeh.
• Sauce: Keep the creamy Cajun sauce the same but make it richer with extra cream or add some coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

2. Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta

• Protein: Replace the shrimp with sausage (smoked sausage or andouille sausage works great). Slice it and cook it with the chicken for added flavor.
• Spice: You can up the heat by adding a bit more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.

3. Cajun Shrimp and Crab Pasta

• Seafood: Combine shrimp and crab meat for a luxurious, seafood-packed version.
• Sauce: You can add a bit of white wine or lemon juice to the creamy sauce to bring in some acidity to balance the richness.

4. Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

• Protein: Stick with just chicken, but use a traditional Alfredo sauce.
• Sauce: You can make it creamy with heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning to add a bit of heat.

5. Vegan Cajun Pasta

• Protein: Use plant-based proteins like chickpeas, tempeh, or tofu as substitutes for shrimp and chicken.
• Sauce: Replace the heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk to make the sauce vegan-friendly. You can also use vegan cheese to thicken it up.

Each variation adds a different twist while maintaining the signature Cajun flavors! Let me know if you’d like a recipe for any of these options!

Conclusion

Chicken Pasta and Creamy Cajun Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances bold, spicy flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. The combination of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and al dente pasta smothered in a rich Cajun sauce makes it an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. Serve it up hot, garnish with fresh parsley, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!

😋 Tips:

• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
• Use smoked sausage instead of chicken for a different twist.
• For extra creaminess, add a little cream cheese to the sauce.