Description
Succulent Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta brings together spicy Creole flavors in a rich, creamy sauce. Southern comfort meets gourmet dining with this quick and satisfying meal perfect for home cooks craving bold, zesty ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions, ensuring an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat until butter melts completely.
- Generously coat the chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for 5-7 minutes, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking. Transfer to a separate plate.
- Quickly cook the shrimp in the same skillet, approximately 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn vibrant pink and become translucent.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 30 seconds.
- Create the sauce by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, watching it thicken and develop rich flavors.
- Reunite the pasta, chicken, and shrimp with the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize the Cajun seasoning blend to control spice levels, allowing heat-sensitive diners to enjoy the dish comfortably.
- Swap protein options by using plant-based chicken alternatives or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, flavorful profile.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising the rich, zesty taste.
- Reduce sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, creating a lighter yet still satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 452 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg