Description
This creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender chicken strips and succulent shrimp tossed in a rich, spiced cream sauce with fettuccine or penne pasta. Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices and finished with fresh parsley and lemon juice, this dish is ideal for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Protein
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Season the shrimp with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add cheese and spices: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss well until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the lemon juice, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to incorporate more nutrients and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
