Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
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.
PrintCreamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Tender chicken and shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with rigatoni in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic and tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Season chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning in separate bowls. Cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes; remove to a plate. In the same skillet, add butter and cook shrimp until pink and opaque, 1-2 minutes per side; remove to plate with chicken.
- In the skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, add diced tomatoes and remaining ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened, stir in Parmesan until melted. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp; toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Warm 1-2 minutes and serve with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling. Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice level preference. Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes make a great garnish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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