Cajun Chicken Shrimp Pasta (Print)
Rich pasta with juicy chicken, shrimp, creamy Cajun sauce, peppers, and Parmesan for bold flavor.
# Ingredients:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces), cut into bite-size strips
02 - 8 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Pasta
03 - 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Spices & Seasonings
08 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus extra for garnish
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Dairy
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Liquids
15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
→ Garnish
17 - Fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Additional grated Parmesan, optional
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine chicken strips and shrimp with 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and just opaque. Remove and set aside with chicken.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then add red and green bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
07 - Add cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
08 - Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Uses staple protein and pasta for an easy dinner
- Big bold Cajun flavor with customizable heat
- Ready in under an hour for busy nights
- Creamy sauce you can lighten or indulge as you please
- Generous portion that feels special enough for company
02 -
- Packed with protein from shrimp and chicken
- Freezes surprisingly well just skip the final cheese until reheating
- Adaptable to your heat tolerance
03 -
- Always toast your Cajun spices in the pan briefly before building the sauce for deeper flavor
- Reserve pasta water to help merge sauce and noodles seamlessly
- Add the chicken and shrimp back right at the end so nothing gets overcooked