Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta brings a perfect blend of spice and creamy goodness. Featuring shrimp, chicken, and a rich Cajun sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying dish that feels like restaurant-quality, ideal for any weeknight dinner. With smoky paprika and just the right amount of heat, it’s the perfect comfort meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, then cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and smoked paprika, simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken, shrimp, and pasta to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the shrimp and chicken; add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Extra Spice: For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Pasta Substitution: Use penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti if rotini isn’t your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
