Look no further than this Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta for a delicious, easy-to-make supper.
Blending succulent chicken breast bites and well-cooked shrimp, with a fiery, creamy sauce atop a generous pile of comforting noodles, this dish is the ultimate comfort dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Equally suited to a mid-week dinner or date night, this is one recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
Chicken Breast & Shrimp
This recipe calls for chicken breast and shrimp. The added meat is a lean protein that takes the least amount of prep and has a mild taste that works well with Cajun spices.
As an alternative, you can use chicken thighs. Best to use boneless thighs. However, chicken thighs have a higher fat content, therefore, additional flavor is recommended.
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 is not only delicious but is low in calories, and 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 & Belans
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.
We are also proud to say we HAVE OUR OWN SEASONING LINE! In this recipe, we also added our Belans seasoning. Belans is a seasoning blend that combines numerous spices and herbs to add a complex, warm taste to any dessert or your favorite hot drink. It is both VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FRIENDLY.
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 is simple to prepare. For optimal results, prepare pasta al dente per the box instructions. Thus, the pasta is not overdone when added to the sauce.
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 building the flavors and begin to cook the pasta.
Full recipe ingredients and directions are listed below, to help you make this recipe perfect 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
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The Best Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 2 Chicken Breast; Cuting into bite size pieces
- 4 Tbsp. Cajun Seasoning Divided
- 2 Lbs. Jumbo Raw Shrimp cleaned
- ½ Cup Diced Sweet White onions
- 4 Minced garlic cloves
- 1 Bell Pepper; Any color will work
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1½ Tsp. Kosher salt
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes
- 1 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
- Cooked Fettuccine Pasta (from 1 box)
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Green Onions
- ¾ tsp. Belans
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Then add the chicken and cook completely. Turn occasionally to cook all sides. Cook until the water starts to dissolve. Once the water has almost dissolved add 1 tbsp. of Cajun seasoning. Add the shrimp. Continue cooking until the 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 a low temperature. Add creamer, Belans seasoning blend, water, and parsley flakes. Bring to a boil. While whisking or stirring, add 1 tbsp. flour. Add the pasta and 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 a simmer for 5 minutes on low heat until pasta is completely cooked. Top with Parmesan Cheese and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Bruce Malcolmson says
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 says
Thank you very much, Bruce!
sonia's recipes says
I have all the ingredients in the fridge to cook this delicious pasta recipe! thanks
Anjali says
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 says
This dish is yum and definitely one of my family favorite too. Perfect for my weekend Dinner. Thanks.
Emily says
I’m always looking for quick and delicious meals, I will definitely be making this for my family! Thank you!
Elizabeth says
This pasta is absolutely divine! Packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to the weekly rotation!
Sparkie6 says
Sauce was a little too wet for my taste. Next time I will cut water by 1/2. Enjoyed it very much.
Mirlene says
Thank you so much for trying it. I am so glad it worked out for you. Thanks again.
Mirlene says
My kids absolutely loved this recipe. It’s so easy to make.