Introduction

Get ready for a flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes! This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. The spicy Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp are all tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with fettuccine. For more deliciously easy pasta ideas, try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe or this Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a rich and spicy Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, bursting with smoky flavor and a luxuriously smooth sauce.

• 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 20% faster than many similar one-pot pasta recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Pat the shrimp and diced chicken completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for 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 heavily salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta (like fettuccine or penne) until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve at least one 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). Remove to a plate.

Step 4 — Sauté the Shrimp and Veggies

In the same skillet, add another splash of oil if needed. Add the shrimp and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to the plate with the chicken. Add the sliced peppers and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced 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 Everything

Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until your desired consistency is reached.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch more Cajun spice if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta immediately while hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~650 kcal
Protein	~45g
Carbohydrates	~55g
Fat	~28g
Fiber	~3g
Sodium	~1200mg

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a rich, satisfying meal. The values are per serving and are estimates based on typical ingredients and portion sizes. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and ingredient amounts used.

Healthier Alternatives

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing that signature Cajun flavor.

• Protein Swap: Use Turkey Sausage — For a leaner option, replace the chicken with sliced smoked turkey sausage. It adds a similar smoky depth with less fat.
• Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles — Swap traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. They absorb the creamy sauce beautifully and cut the carbs significantly.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Coconut Milk — Use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It creates a luxuriously rich sauce with a subtle, complementary sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — An easy one-for-one swap. Choose a brown rice or lentil-based pasta to keep the dish celiac-friendly while maintaining great texture.
• Low-Sodium Cajun Seasoning — Make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. This lets you control the salt while boosting the herbaceous notes.
• Lighter Cream Base: Greek Yogurt — For a tangy, high-protein twist, stir in plain Greek yogurt at the very end instead of using heavy cream. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
• Add More Veggies: Bell Peppers & Spinach — Bulk up the dish nutritionally by sautéing extra bell peppers with the onions and stirring in fresh spinach just before serving.
• Seafood Focus: All Shrimp — Simplify and focus on the seafood by omitting the chicken entirely and doubling the shrimp for a lighter, ocean-forward version of the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings and presentation tips can elevate your dinner to restaurant quality.

• Perfect Pairings: Serve with a crisp, green side salad dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A loaf of warm, crusty garlic bread or buttery cornbread is essential for sopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
• Ideal Occasions: This impressive dish is perfect for a cozy date night at home, a casual weekend family feast, or when you want to wow guests at a dinner party without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Plating for Impact: Use tongs to twirl the pasta into a neat nest in the center of a shallow bowl. Arrange the shrimp and chicken pieces artfully on top and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color.
• Beverage Companions: The bold spices pair beautifully with a chilled glass of unoaked Chardonnay, a hoppy IPA, or even a sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic option.
• Make it a Feast: For a larger spread, start with a classic appetizer like jalapeño poppers or fried okra. A simple side of sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus adds a fresh, vegetable component.
• Leftover Magic: Any leftovers reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day. For a fun twist, use the cold pasta and sauce as a filling for a toasted sandwich or wrap.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the shrimp, making them rubbery. Fix: Add them last and cook just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
• Mistake: Using raw chicken breast directly in the sauce. Fix: Sear it first in a hot pan to develop a flavorful crust before simmering.
• Mistake: Adding Cajun seasoning at the end. Fix: Bloom the spices in oil or butter early to unlock their full, complex flavor.
• Mistake: A sauce that’s too thin or greasy. Fix: Use full-fat cream and freshly grated Parmesan; let it simmer gently to thicken properly.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the pasta water. Fix: Salt the water like the sea—it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Mistake: Dumping all the pasta water. Fix: Reserve a cup of starchy water to help the creamy sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
• Mistake: Using pre-grated Parmesan that clumps. Fix: Always grate a block of high-quality Parmesan fresh; it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing. Fix: Cook the chicken and shrimp in batches to ensure a proper sear, not a steam.
• Mistake: Skipping the taste test before serving. Fix: Always adjust final seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the rich dish.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your leftover Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to maintain food safety.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing but will reincorporate when stirred during reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. You can also use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Proper storage keeps this rich pasta dish tasting fresh and delicious for your next meal.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed, restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. For another fantastic seafood dish, try our Best Shrimp Casserole Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious ideas!

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FAQs

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

You can prepare the sauce and proteins ahead, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy, keeping your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta perfect.

How can I adjust the spice level of this pasta?

Control the heat by using a mild or hot Cajun seasoning blend. Start with less seasoning, taste the sauce as you cook, and add more gradually. You can also add a splash of cream or a pinch of sugar to balance the spice if it becomes too intense.

What’s the best way to prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook the shrimp separately and add them at the very end, just to warm through. Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone. For this recipe, sauté them until just pink and opaque, then set aside until you’re ready to combine all components.