Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Bowl With a Kick!
There’s something magical about the spicy-creamy combo in this dish. With juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and a rich Cajun-seasoned cream sauce, this pasta brings serious restaurant vibes right to your kitchen table. It’s bold, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy – perfect for when you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming dinner!
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp and chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Add cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra Cajun spice if desired.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Calories | 530 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Recipe Summary
| Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Flavor Profile | Spicy, creamy, and savory |
FAQs
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Use half the Cajun seasoning or swap it with a mild seasoning blend.
Q: What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all hold the sauce well.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese.
This pasta is a total flavor bomb – creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy. Serve it with crusty bread and you’ve got yourself a Cajun feast!
