Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
A delightful dish featuring juicy chicken and succulent shrimp enveloped in a creamy Cajun sauce over al dente rotini pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta Twisted, tender pasta that captures every bit of delicious sauce.
Seafood and Chicken
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Sweet and plump shrimp that add both flavor and protein.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Juicy chicken pieces that complement the seafood beautifully.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning A bold blend of spices that gives the dish its characteristic kick.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing, adding a subtle richness.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter Enhances the creamy texture and flavor of the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and flavorful, brings depth to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creamy richness that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- 1 cup milk Adds creaminess while balancing the heaviness of the heavy cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Savory and nutty cheese that enhances the sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Melts beautifully, adding color and flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Brings a warm smokiness that complements the spices.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For those who like an extra kick of heat.
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste) Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- to garnish none Fresh parsley, chopped Adds color and a fresh finish to your pasta.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken and Shrimp
- Season the chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (approximately 30 seconds).
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Let this simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Final Assembly
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything well to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
For an added flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken and shrimp in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking. If you're looking to lighten the dish a bit, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or fettuccine.