If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, spicy flavor and creamy indulgence, the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. This vibrant recipe brings together tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and perfectly cooked linguine in a luscious sauce that balances heat and creaminess effortlessly. It’s a celebration of Southern-inspired spices and comforting pasta all in one skillet, making it a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component plays an important role—from the Cajun seasoning that infuses a smoky kick to the rich parmesan that adds depth and creaminess. Let’s break down what you’ll need to pull together this incredible meal:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) linguine: This long, thin pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce while providing a pleasant bite.
- Salt (for boiling pasta): Essential for seasoning the pasta water, ensuring every strand is flavorful.
- 225 g (½ lb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a succulent, briny sweetness that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.
- 450 g (1 lb) chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-size pieces: Tender, lean protein that absorbs the spicy seasoning and adds heartiness to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: A bold blend of spices that brings the signature Southern heat and aroma to the recipe.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balanced seasoning to enhance all flavors without overpowering them.
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce, while also cooking the garlic and proteins to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and shrimp, giving them a beautiful golden crust and locking in moisture.
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped: Provides aromatic depth and pungency that lifts the entire dish.
- 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine: Introduces a subtle acidity and complexity, deglazing the pan for maximum flavor.
- 200 ml (1 cup) double cream: The creamy foundation of the sauce, balancing the spice with silky smoothness.
- 30 g (⅓ cup) parmesan, grated: Adds nutty, umami richness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water for later. This step ensures you have perfectly cooked noodles ready to marry the rich Cajun sauce.
Step 2: Season and cook the chicken and shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken pieces and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and shrimp, cooking until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside, keeping all those beautiful browned bits in the pan.
Step 3: Make the sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, intensifying the flavor. Then stir in the double cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken into a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Combine pasta, chicken, and shrimp
Add the cooked linguine to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat each strand evenly. Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, gently folding everything together so the proteins are nestled in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Finally, sprinkle in the grated parmesan and stir until melted and silky.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect garnish adds a fresh contrast to the spicy, creamy pasta. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a bright pop of color and herbaceous flavor. A light dusting of extra parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate it even further.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve this pasta in individual bowls topped with a few grilled shrimp or chicken slices arranged neatly on top. You can also turn it into a festive dish by adding bell pepper strips or cherry tomatoes cooked into the sauce for extra color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers from the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient meal to enjoy again soon.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the creamy sauce, but if you need to freeze leftovers, portion it out and store in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, thaw slowly in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from separating. Stir frequently until warmed through and deliciously ready to eat again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti can be great alternatives. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep the pasta perfectly al dente.
Is the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe very spicy?
The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Most blends have moderate spice—enough to add warmth without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to adjust the seasoning amount to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the chicken breast with other proteins?
Yes, chicken thighs or turkey breast can be used for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
What can I use instead of double cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or heavy cream can work well, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Coconut cream is a good non-dairy alternative if you want to experiment.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and shrimp in advance and keep them refrigerated. When ready to serve, make the sauce fresh and combine everything just before eating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe brings bold spices, tender proteins, and creamy sauce together—it’s comfort food that excites your taste buds and warms your soul. I can’t recommend this dish enough for anyone looking to add a little spice and Southern charm to their pasta nights. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
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: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta blends succulent spiced chicken and shrimp with a creamy, flavorful sauce served over linguine. A quick and vibrant dish perfect for weeknight dinners, combining bold Cajun seasoning with a rich Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300 g (10.5 oz) linguine
- Salt (for boiling pasta)
Proteins
- 225 g (½ lb) raw shrimp (prawns), peeled and deveined
- 450 g (1 lb) chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
Sauce
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
- 200 ml (1 cup) double cream
- 30 g (⅓ cup) parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Cook 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 some pasta water.
- Prepare the proteins: Season the chicken pieces and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly. This will infuse the proteins with robust Cajun flavors.
- Sauté chicken and shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the skillet. Sauté finely chopped garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the double cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated parmesan and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine all components: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained linguine and toss everything gently to coat the pasta with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta hot, garnished with additional parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning to the sauce.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- If dry white wine is unavailable, use chicken broth as a substitute.
- Double cream can be substituted with heavy cream if preferred.
- Save some pasta water; it helps to loosen the sauce and improve texture.
