Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta is a flavor-packed, restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in just 30 minutes. It combines tender chicken and juicy shrimp with a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta for a satisfying and impressive meal. For another fantastic shrimp dish, try this Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta comes together with a handful of simple ingredients, creating a rich and spicy sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
• 8 ounces dry rigatoni pasta (or other short pasta like penne)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta comes together in about 35 minutes, which is roughly 25% faster than many similar restaurant-style pasta recipes that require separate cooking steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Pat the shrimp and diced chicken dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Measure out your Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Mince the garlic and slice the bell peppers and onion.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta (like fettuccine or penne) according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 3 — Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until browned. Sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning, flip, and cook until no longer pink inside (about 165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate.

Step 4 — Sauté the Shrimp and Veggies

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the shrimp and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken. Add the sliced peppers and onion to the skillet, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic for the last 30 seconds.

Step 5 — Build the Cream Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 6 — Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta, cooked chicken, and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finally, gently fold in the cooked shrimp just to heat through.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch more Cajun spice if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta hot. For the best texture, enjoy right away while the sauce is luxuriously creamy.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~720 kcal
Protein	~48 g
Carbohydrates	~55 g
Fat	~32 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sodium	~1100 mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing the signature Cajun flavor.

• Protein Swap (Turkey or Tofu) — Use ground turkey or smoked turkey sausage for a leaner option, or extra-firm tofu for a plant-based version. Both absorb the Cajun spices beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Pasta — Swap regular pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or a high-fiber, low-carb pasta alternative like chickpea or lentil pasta to reduce net carbs.
• Dairy-Free Cream Sauce — Replace heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free sauce that still gets luxuriously thick.
• Gluten-Free Option — Use your favorite gluten-free pasta (like brown rice or corn pasta) and ensure your Cajun seasoning blend is certified gluten-free, as some contain wheat-based anti-caking agents.
• Low-Sodium Cajun Seasoning — Make your own Cajun blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper to control the salt, omitting added salt.
• Lighter Cream Base (Greek Yogurt) — For a protein boost and tangy note, substitute half the heavy cream with plain, full-fat Greek yogurt added at the very end over low heat to prevent curdling.
• Extra Veggies — Bulk up the dish with added vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach sautéed with the protein to increase fiber and nutrients.
• Oil Alternative — For sautéing, use avocado oil or a light olive oil instead of butter for a higher smoke point and different fat profile.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate your dinner. Here are ideas for what to serve with it.

Perfect Pairings

• For Crunch: A simple garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. A side salad with a light vinaigrette, like a classic Caesar or mixed greens, provides a fresh, crisp contrast.
• For Vegetables: Sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a medley of bell peppers and onions complement the Cajun spices beautifully.

Occasions & Crowds

This dish is incredibly versatile. It’s fancy enough for a date night at home yet hearty and easy to scale up for a casual family dinner or potluck. For a crowd, consider serving it buffet-style with the suggested sides.

Plating & Presentation Tips

• Use a shallow bowl or wide pasta plate to showcase the sauce and ingredients.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.
• For an extra touch, add a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a lemon wedge on the side.

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy weeknight meal or hosting friends, these serving suggestions will make your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta experience even more memorable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the shrimp and chicken, making them tough. Fix: Sear them just until cooked through and remove them from the pan before building the sauce.
• Mistake: Using a pre-mixed Cajun seasoning with too much salt. Fix: Make your own blend or choose a low-sodium version to control the seasoning level.
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic to a very hot pan, causing it to burn and turn bitter. Fix: Sauté garlic for only 30-60 seconds over medium heat until fragrant.
• Mistake: Not deglazing the pan after searing the meat, leaving flavorful fond behind. Fix: Pour in a splash of chicken broth or white wine to scrape up those browned bits.
• Mistake: Adding cold cream directly to a hot pan, which can cause it to curdle or separate. Fix: Let the cream come to room temperature first and incorporate it off the heat.
• Mistake: Cooking the pasta separately and letting it sit, leading to a gummy texture. Fix: Time it to finish just as your sauce is ready, and reserve pasta water to adjust consistency.
• Mistake: Overloading the pan with protein, which steams instead of sears. Fix: Cook your shrimp and chicken in batches to ensure a proper, flavorful crust.
• Mistake: Skipping the taste test before serving. Fix: Always adjust the final dish with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of Cajun spice.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the pasta completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

For best quality, avoid freezing pasta with a cream-based sauce for extended periods, as it can separate slightly upon thawing. Stirring well during reheating will help re-emulsify your creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. We hope you love it! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. For more delicious pasta ideas, check out our Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the proteins ahead, but for the best texture, combine everything with the pasta just before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy. Reheat the components gently to keep your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

For a lighter version, substitute full-fat coconut milk or a half-and-half mixture. You can also make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in whole milk to create a creamy base. The sauce will still be rich and coat the pasta perfectly for this dish.

How can I adjust the spice level of this pasta?

Control the heat by using a mild or hot Cajun seasoning blend to your taste. Start with less seasoning, then add more after tasting the sauce. You can also add a splash of cream or a pinch of sugar at the end to balance any excessive spice.