If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and brings together the best of land and sea, then this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, creamy pasta where succulent shrimp and tender chicken, both kissed with smoky Cajun spices, mingle beautifully with a luscious sauce and perfectly cooked linguine. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe promises comfort and excitement on every forkful, making dinner feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is the first step towards a fantastic Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the spicy Cajun seasoning that gives this dish its signature kick or the creamy parmesan that rounds out the sauce with a dreamy texture.
- Linguine (300 g / 10.5 oz): Choose linguine for its perfect balance between thick and thin, letting the sauce cling delightfully.
- Salt (for boiling pasta): A generous pinch enhances the pasta’s natural flavor as it cooks.
- Raw shrimp (225 g / ½ lb), peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp add a sweet, delicate seafood contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Chicken breast fillets (450 g / 1 lb), cut into bite-size pieces: Tender morsels bring hearty protein that soaks up the Cajun flavors beautifully.
- Cajun seasoning (3 tablespoons): This blend is essential—smoky, spicy, and aromatic to awaken your taste buds.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to balance and elevate every layer of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (30 g / 2 tablespoons), divided: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for searing the chicken and shrimp without overpowering their flavors.
- Garlic cloves (2 large), finely chopped: Garlic infuses the dish with fragrant warmth that’s just irresistible.
- Dry white wine (75 ml / â…“ cup): Adds brightness and depth, beautifully lifting the cream sauce.
- Double cream (200 ml / 1 cup): Creates a luscious, velvety coating for the pasta and proteins.
- Parmesan (30 g / â…“ cup), grated: A finishing touch of sharp, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—firm but cooked through. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water just in case you need it to loosen the sauce later. This simple step creates the perfect base for our Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe, ensuring every bite is tender and satisfying.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Seafood and Chicken
While the pasta cooks, toss the raw shrimp and chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat half the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken first, cooking until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the shrimp, cooking just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the star flavors develop, locking in the smoky, spicy essence that defines this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken and shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and add the finely chopped garlic, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden. Pour in the dry white wine, letting it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavor. Stir in the double cream and let the sauce thicken just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Finally, sprinkle in the grated parmesan and stir until it melts smoothly, creating a dreamy, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken and shrimp to the creamy sauce pan, gently tossing to coat all the pieces. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated in the sauce. If it feels a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency. This final marry of textures and flavors is the heart of the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe experience.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, spicy cream sauce. A little more grated parmesan on top is always appreciated, adding an extra layer of cheesy loveliness.
Side Dishes
For a perfect meal, serve this pasta alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread also pairs wonderfully, perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce and making the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look. For a fun twist, try adding roasted cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it an even better lunch or dinner the next day. Make sure to consume within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, which can impact texture. If freezing is necessary, freeze immediately in a tightly sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of water or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and heat evenly, preserving the flavors and textures that make the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal because of its shape and texture, fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti can work well with this creamy, spicy sauce in the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
How spicy is this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The spice level largely depends on the Cajun seasoning you use; most blends offer a moderate heat. You can adjust by adding more or less seasoning or complementing with a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a personal heat level.
Can I substitute the double cream?
If double cream isn’t available, heavy cream or a mix of cream and milk can work too, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. For a lighter version, you can also use half-and-half with good results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by simply swapping linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the Cajun seasoning and other ingredients to avoid added gluten.
Can I prepare the chicken and shrimp in advance?
Yes, you can season and partially cook the chicken and shrimp up to a day ahead, storing them in the fridge. Just finish cooking and combine with the sauce and pasta when you’re ready to serve the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a vibrant, comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to make but packed with exciting flavors. It’s perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself on a cozy night in. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, fire up the stove, and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
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Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender chicken breast pieces and succulent shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tossed with linguine in a rich garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner packed with a punch of Southern-inspired zest.
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
Seasoning and Sauce
- 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
- 75 ml (â…“ cup) dry white wine
- 200 ml (1 cup) double cream
- 30 g (â…“ cup) parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Season Proteins: In a bowl, toss the shrimp and chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté Chicken and Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces first and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to brown and are nearly cooked through. Add the shrimp and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the finely chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the double cream. Let the cream warm through for 2 minutes, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, toss well to coat with the creamy sauce. Add the drained linguine and gently mix everything together to combine well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished optionally with extra parmesan or fresh herbs.
Notes
- For extra heat, sprinkle in additional Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
- Use fresh parmesan for best flavor, and avoid pre-grated which may not melt as smoothly.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness for optimal creaminess.
- Ensure not to overcook shrimp to maintain tenderness.
