Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich, creamy sauce with a kick of Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

• 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced

Seasoning and Sauce

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. 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.

2. Season the Protein

• Season shrimp and diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.

3. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
• Remove chicken and set aside.

4. Cook the Shrimp

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Remove shrimp and set aside.

5. Prepare the Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

6. Combine Everything

• Add cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet.
• Toss to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.

7. Adjust and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips and Variations

• Protein Options: Swap chicken and shrimp for sausage, tofu, or just one of the proteins for a simpler version.
• Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese.
• Pasta Options: While rotini works well, feel free to use penne, farfalle, or fettuccine.
• Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat.

How to Store

1. Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
3. Freezing: While not ideal due to the creamy sauce, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pasta, chicken, and shrimp separately and store them in the fridge. Make the sauce fresh before serving and combine everything to maintain the creamy texture.

2. What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano works well as a substitute.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is free from gluten.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Coconut milk or cashew cream can work well for the sauce.

Enjoy this rich, flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp and