Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta – The Flavor-Packed Dinner Everyone Will Crave!
This is one of those meals that instantly makes your kitchen smell like a restaurant—rich, spicy, creamy, and comforting all at once. The Cajun-spiced shrimp and chicken bring the heat, while the velvety sauce hugs every bite of pasta in buttery, cheesy goodness. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels extra special but takes under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp and chicken separately with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and shrimp. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Lower the heat to medium. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then pour in chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom.
- Add cream, Parmesan, paprika, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, shrimp, and chicken. Mix everything until well-coated in sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 4):
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 37 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Sodium | 710 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta | |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Shrimp, chicken, pasta, cream, Cajun seasoning |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Serves | 4 |
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
For a lighter version, yes, but the sauce won’t be as thick. Add a bit of flour or cream cheese to help it thicken.
Q: Is this spicy?
It has a kick, but you can reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.
Q: Can I add veggies?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work beautifully.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
