Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring shrimp, chicken, and pasta in a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice) Tender and perfect for holding onto that luscious sauce.
Proteins
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) Juicy little morsels that add a burst of flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced) Hearty pieces of poultry that bring satisfaction to every bite.
Sauce ingredients
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning A blend of spices that adds a delightful kick.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For that rich, smooth texture.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter Enhancing the creaminess of the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) Aromatic and fragrant, bringing depth to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creating a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- 1 cup milk Balancing the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For a savory, nutty flavor that melts perfectly.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Adding an extra layer of creaminess.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Giving the dish a subtle smoky flavor.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For those who enjoy a bit more heat.
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste) Enhancing all the flavors brilliantly.
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) Adding a touch of color and freshness.
Instructions
Cooking 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.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning, cooking until golden brown, roughly 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, remove and set aside.
Cooking Shrimp
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook shrimp until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan, cheddar, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning until smooth and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat every ingredient in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes as needed.
Serving
- Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley to enhance both appearance and flavor.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat or vegetable pasta and swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream.