Look no further than this Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta, if you’re looking for a real feast of a meal that’s not too hard or time-consuming to make.
Blending succulent meat and fish with a fiery, creamy sauce atop a generous pile of comforting noodles, it’s the ultimate comfort dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Equally suited to a mid week dinner or date night treat, this is one recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
Chicken
This recipe calls for chicken breast as it’s a nice, lean protein that takes the least amount of prep and has a mild taste that works well with Cajun spices.
However, if you would prefer, you can always use chicken thigh meat simply cut off the bone. The thighs have a higher fat content and so give an extra boost of flavor to the dish.
This Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta Recipe is also a great way to use any leftover chicken you have in the fridge. Just add it for the final 5 minutes of cooking time to let it heat through without drying out.
Shrimp
Shrimp is not only delicious but is low in calories, saturated fat and packed with vitamins and minerals.
Paired with the chicken in this dish, it packs a real protein punch that will keep you feeling fuller for longer.
To make life easier, you may like to choose shrimp that has already been deveined and had both their shell and tails removed.
This will mean way less hassle during prep time and no need to remove any tails while you eat.
Frozen shrimp is often more affordable and can also be used in this recipe.
Simply submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water and they will be thawed in around 10 to 20 minutes, ready for you to add to your dish.
Cajun Seasoning
There are plenty of excellent premade spice mixes out there, though if you would like to make your own it’s easy enough to do.
Though there are variations from recipe to recipe, Cajun seasoning is generally a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper and oregano.
Paprika is key here to get that signature smoky flavor that’s so entwined with Cajun cuisine.
If you are really at a loose end then Old Bay seasoning is a good enough substitute, though it won’t be quite as complex and it lacks the heat of most Cajun spice mixes.
Whichever route you choose, check if your spice mix includes salt before you add any extra, and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.
Pasta
You can use whichever pasta is your favorite for this dish, though the tubular shape of penne helps it hold onto all that delicious sauce, ensuring flavor in every bite.
You can also feel free to use fresh pasta, but just bear in mind that it will only take a fraction of the time to cook, so don’t set it on to boil too early.
In this recipe however, we used fettuccine pasta. This recipe is ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
This cajun chicken and shrimp pasta really is easy to make. The best way is to cook the pasta al dente in accordance to the instructions on the box. This way, when you add the pasta to the sauce, it is not overcooked.
To start this dish, You’ll want to make sure you cook the chicken first. Be sure to cut the chicken into equal bite size pieces as much as possible. This will ensure the chicken cooks faster.
When the chicken is done, you can start start building the flavors and begin to cook the pasta.
Full recipe ingredients and directions are listed below, to help you make this recipe perfect each and every single time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Using an airtight container, freeze the pasta for up to 3-6 months in your freezer.
Leftover meals often taste best the next day. This pasta dish is no different. Store this cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. The meal will last up to 5 days.
To add heat to this meal, add cayenne pepper to give it some kick.
More Pasta Recipes To Enjoy
Baked Mac and Cheese With Broccoli
It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site. We’d especially would love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.
Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!
Please follow us on YouTube to see all of our latest videos!
The Best Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 2 Chicken Breast Cuting into bite size pieces
- 2 Tbsp. Cajun Seasoning Divided
- 2 Lbs. Jumbo Raw Shrimp cleaned
- ½ Cup Diced Sweet White onions
- 3 Minced garlic cloves
- 1 Cup Mixed Bell Peppers
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 Tsp. Kosher salt
- Cup Water
- 1 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes
- 1 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
- Cooked Fettuccine Pasta (from 1 box)
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the oil. Then add the chicken and cooked completely. Turn occasionally to cook all sides. Cook until the water starts to dissolve. Once the water has almost dissolve add 1 tbsp. of Cajun seasoning. Add the shrimp. Continue cooking until shrimp is cooked completely.
- Remove the shrimp and chicken from the pan and set aside. Add the onions, add the minced garlic cloves, garlic, and peppers
- Reduce the heat to low temperature. Add creamer, water, parsley flakes. Bring to boil. While whisking or stirring, add 1 tbsp. flour. Add the pasta, Toss to combine. Add in the remaining 1 tbsp. cajun seasoning, meat and shrimp. Toss to combine. Then add 1 tsp. kosher salt. Toss again and cover and bring to simmer for 5 minutes on low heat until pasta is completely cook. Top with Parmesan Cheese and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Bruce Malcolmson
A taste of Louisiana in a pasta dish! Very enjoyable. It’s now a part of my go to recipes. I added 1 tsp. of a mildly hot truffle sauce to boost the flavor and heat.
Mirlene
Thank you very much, Bruce!
sonia's recipes
I have all the ingredients in the fridge to cook this delicious pasta recipe! thanks
Anjali
Omg the cajun seasoning just took this pasta to a whole other level!! It was so flavorful creamy and spicy – can’t wait to make it again soon!
veenaazmanov
This dish is yum and definitely one of my family favorite too. Perfect for my weekend Dinner. Thanks.
Emily
I’m always looking for quick and delicious meals, I will definitely be making this for my family! Thank you!
Elizabeth
This pasta is absolutely divine! Packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to the weekly rotation!
Sparkie6
Sauce was a little too wet for my taste. Next time I will cut water by 1/2. Enjoyed it very much.
Mirlene
Thank you so much for trying it. I am so glad it worked out for you. Thanks again.
Mirlene
My kids absolutely loved this recipe. It’s so easy to make.