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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, zesty flavors and creamy indulgence, you are going to adore this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Picture tender chicken and succulent shrimp kissed by a smoky Cajun seasoning, all tossed in a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to al dente linguine. It’s comfort food with a spicy kick, easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when friends come over. This dish truly brings a wonderful harmony of textures and flavors that make every bite incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet vibrant ingredients makes a big difference in this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Each component plays a role in layering flavor, balancing spice, and creating that rich, creamy texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 300 g linguine: A perfect pasta choice with just the right width to hold the sauce without overpowering the proteins.
- Salt (for boiling pasta): Essential for seasoning the pasta water to enhance the pasta’s own flavor.
- 225 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and sweet, these add a delightful seafood touch that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.
- 450 g chicken breast fillets, bite-sized: Lean and tender, chicken is the hearty base that absorbs all the bold seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that brings smoky warmth and a little heat to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To adjust seasoning and balance flavors perfectly.
- 30 g unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce as well as a golden touch when cooking proteins.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and shrimp evenly while keeping them juicy.
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped: Fresh garlic infuses a savory depth that ties all the flavors together.
- 75 ml dry white wine: A splash of acidity and aroma that lifts the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 200 ml double cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth, mellowing the spices perfectly.
- 30 g grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking slightly once tossed in the sauce, so better to err on the side of slightly firmer. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for loosening the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning along with a pinch of salt and pepper to coat them evenly. Heat half the butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken first, cooking it until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and keep warm. Next, in the same pan, cook the shrimp until just pink and curled, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them with the chicken.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter along with the chopped garlic. Cook gently until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Pour in the white wine, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating those lovely flavors. Then stir in the double cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer before folding in the grated parmesan, allowing it to melt and enrich the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything to Finish
Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss in the drained linguine and gently mix everything together, ensuring each strand is coated with that creamy, spicy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it to your perfect consistency. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes a little extra Cajun seasoning or salt can make all the difference.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh contrast to this creamy dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the pasta right before serving. If you like a touch more zing, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully and adds a pleasant freshness.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also make fantastic companions, great for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls, layering the chicken and shrimp artfully on top with a final dusting of parmesan. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add an inviting pop of color and hint at the dish’s spicy character.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain the best flavors and texture.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky as the sauce may separate, so it’s best to freeze the chicken and shrimp (without pasta) separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to restore its creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, so nothing dries out or overcooks.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti would work wonderfully here. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning used in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning brings a warm, smoky heat but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for that cheesy flavor tweak. Just keep in mind the sauce might be slightly less rich.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping as the proteins and sauce hold up well. Keep pasta separate until serving to avoid sogginess. Reheat gently for best results.
Do I need to peel and devein the shrimp?
It’s best to peel and devein shrimp before cooking to ensure a pleasant texture and clean taste. Most grocery stores sell shrimp already prepared, saving you time and effort.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a delightful way to elevate your dinner routine with bold, comforting flavors and a creamy finish. It’s perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends, and the recipe comes together quickly without fuss. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this dish, it will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every flavorful bite!
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Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a spicy Cajun seasoning blend tossed with linguine in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe balances the heat of Cajun spices with the smoothness of cream and butter, creating a satisfying meal packed with protein and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300 g (10.5 oz) linguine
- Salt (for boiling pasta)
Protein
- 225 g (½ lb) raw shrimp (prawns), peeled and deveined
- 450 g (1 lb) chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
Seasonings and Fats
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
Liquids and Cheese
- 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
- 200 ml (1 cup) double cream
- 30 g (⅓ cup) parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Season the protein: Toss the chicken pieces and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to coat evenly for a flavorful base.
- Cook the chicken and shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. Add shrimp to the same skillet and cook until pink and opaque, around 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside with chicken.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the double cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally, for approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce, stir to coat well over low heat. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together gently. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish with parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, garnish as desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easier cooking and consumption.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce but can be omitted or substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
