Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
A delightful fusion of flavors with tender shrimp and juicy chicken enveloped in a velvety, creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice) These twisted noodles are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Proteins
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) Plump, juicy shrimp adds a touch of luxury and a seafood flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced) Tender, succulent chicken brings heartiness and protein.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Infuses the dish with robust flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Adds richness and aids in browning the chicken.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter Enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates the creamy base of the sauce.
- 1 cup milk Balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Introduces subtle smokiness.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice) Adjust to taste for heat lovers.
- 1/2 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
Garnish
- fresh parsley (chopped) Adds a pop of color and flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, saving a bit of pasta water.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoned with Cajun seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, around 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring even coating in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving and enjoy warm. Best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Notes
For added depth of flavor, marinate chicken in Cajun spices for a few hours before cooking. Don't rush the sautéing process to achieve golden-brown proteins.