This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish packed with juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and a rich, cheesy Cajun-spiced sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food with just the right amount of kick! 🔥🍤🍗
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Protein:
✅ 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
✅ 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
✅ 1 lb chicken breast (diced)
✅ 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅ 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
✅ 3 cloves garlic (minced)
✅ 1 cup heavy cream
✅ 1 cup milk
✅ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✅ ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
✅ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✅ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
✅ ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
✅ Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
🟢 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
🟢 Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
🟢 Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Season the Protein:
🟢 In a bowl, toss the shrimp and diced chicken with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning until well coated.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
🟢 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
🟢 Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
🟢 Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Cook the Shrimp:
🟢 In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
🟢 Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
🟢 Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
🟢 Reduce heat to medium-low.
🟢 Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
🟢 Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.
🟢 Add Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning.
🟢 Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6️⃣ Combine Everything:
🟢 Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet.
🟢 Toss everything together until the pasta and protein are well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
7️⃣ Final Touches & Serve:
🟢 Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.
🟢 Garnish with fresh parsley.
🟢 Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
✔ Add veggies – Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor!
✔ Make it spicier – Add more Cajun seasoning or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
✔ Pair with – A side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
🛑 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🛑 Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
🛑 Freeze: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate when reheated.
Why You’ll LOVE This Cajun Pasta!
✔ Rich & creamy – A luscious cheese sauce coats every bite!
✔ Bold & flavorful – Cajun seasoning gives it a spicy, smoky kick!
✔ Easy & quick – Ready in just 35 minutes!
✔ Perfectly balanced – Shrimp, chicken, and pasta make it a hearty, satisfying meal!
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home—spicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! 🔥🍝 Enjoy!