Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the bold flavors of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta to bring a little Louisiana magic to your dinner table. The smoky heat of Cajun seasoning, the richness of a creamy sauce, and the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked pasta come together in this restaurant-quality dish.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a whim, combining leftover shrimp and chicken in a single dish. What started as a happy accident quickly became a family favorite, with requests for "that spicy, creamy pasta" becoming a regular occurrence in my kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is not just delicious—it’s an easy and satisfying meal you’ll crave over and over again.

First off, this dish is incredibly flavorful. The combination of Cajun spices, garlic, and cream creates a sauce that’s smoky, spicy, and irresistibly rich.

It’s also quick and easy to make. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table—perfect for busy weeknights.

Another bonus? It’s a one-pan wonder (aside from the pasta pot). That means fewer dishes to clean up, making it ideal for those who love big flavors but hate big messes.

Lastly, this recipe is super versatile. You can adjust the spice level, swap in different proteins, or even make it lighter by using a lower-fat cream alternative.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect harmony of spice, creaminess, and texture.

Shrimp and Chicken: The combination of juicy shrimp and tender chicken adds variety in every bite. I recommend using large shrimp and boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results.

Cajun Seasoning: This is the star of the dish, bringing bold heat and smoky depth. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients create the luscious, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as thick.

Garlic and Onion: Fresh garlic and onion are essential for building deep, aromatic flavor. Sautéing them releases their natural sweetness, balancing out the heat from the Cajun seasoning.

Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work best for this dish. Their shape allows the creamy sauce to cling to every bite, ensuring maximum flavor in each forkful.

How To Make This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect dish.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once al dente, drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Meanwhile, season the shrimp and chicken generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken first, letting it develop a golden-brown crust before removing it from the pan. Then, cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly curled. Set both aside.

In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add a bit more oil or butter if needed, and scrape up any browned bits from the chicken and shrimp—this is where the flavor lives!

Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce to create a creamy, luxurious texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Return the chicken and shrimp to the pan, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, just enough to marry the flavors.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce tends to thicken, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring it back to life.

To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent overheating.

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is easily customizable to fit your taste and dietary preferences.

If you prefer less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to balance the heat.

For a seafood-only version, skip the chicken and double the shrimp. You can even throw in some scallops or crab meat for an extra indulgent twist.

Want a lighter option? Swap out the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a light cream alternative. While the sauce won’t be as rich, it will still be deliciously creamy.

To make it vegetarian, replace the protein with mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. They absorb the Cajun seasoning beautifully and add a nice texture to the dish.

No Parmesan cheese on hand? Try using Pecorino Romano or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different but equally delicious result.

With so many ways to tweak this dish, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! However you choose to prepare it, one thing is certain—this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is bound to become a favorite in your household.

Print