When you’re craving a dish that balances creamy indulgence with a fiery kick, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is your new go-to. Tender chicken and plump shrimp come together in a velvety, spice-infused Alfredo-style sauce that clings to every twist of penne pasta. The vibrant reds and yellows of bell peppers add crispness and color, while minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan bring an extra layer of depth. With just the right amount of Cajun seasoning, each forkful delivers that warm tingle of heat without overwhelming the palate. It’s a dance of flavors—bold, comforting, and impossible to resist.
On busy weeknights, this intermediate-level recipe (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking) shines as a versatile crowd-pleaser. I still remember the first time I served it at a small dinner party: the laughter, the sips of chilled white wine, and the way my friends swooned at each bite. Customize the heat to suit your mood by adjusting the Cajun seasoning, or sneak in extra veggies—spinach or mushrooms make great additions. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family of four, this dish comes together quickly and cleans up even faster. Let’s turn up the heat and get cooking!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY CAJUN SHRIMP AND CHICKEN PASTA
Before we dive into the sizzling skillet, take a moment to appreciate the pantry heroes and fresh produce that make this recipe shine. Each ingredient plays its part in building layers of taste and texture—from the starchy foundation of pasta to the aromatic punch of garlic.
- Penne Pasta
A tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, delivering flavor in every bite.
- Olive Oil
Provides a smooth base for searing chicken and shrimp, locking in moisture and adding a hint of fruitiness.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
Cut into bite-sized pieces, it soaks up Cajun spices and cooks quickly to tender perfection.
- Large Shrimp
Peeled and deveined, shrimp bring a sweet, briny flavor that contrasts beautifully with the warm, spicy sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning
A bold blend of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and herbs that infuses both proteins with authentic Southern heat.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Essential for balancing flavors; a light seasoning elevates both the chicken and shrimp during cooking.
- Red Bell Pepper
Sliced into strips, it adds a sweet, crisp bite and a pop of color.
- Yellow Bell Pepper
Offers a gently sweet flavor and brightens the dish with sunny hues.
- Heavy Cream
Creates a luxuriously smooth, rich sauce that blankets each pasta piece.
- Chicken Broth
Thins the cream slightly while adding savory depth.
- Parmesan Cheese
Grated into the sauce for a salty, nutty kick that helps thicken and enrich the texture.
- Garlic
Four minced cloves provide fragrant warmth and a subtle bite.
- Fresh Parsley
Chopped for garnish, it brings a burst of fresh herbal brightness.
- Green Onions (Optional)
Sliced and sprinkled on top for an extra oniony crunch and color contrast.
- Lemon Wedges (Optional)
A squeeze of juice brightens the richness with zesty acidity.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CAJUN SHRIMP AND CHICKEN PASTA
Get ready to transform these simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy, spice-kissed masterpiece. Follow each step carefully to build layers of flavor, achieve perfect textures, and make cleanup a breeze.
1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in generously salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside so it’s ready to absorb the sauce later.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This ensures a lovely sear on your proteins without sticking.
3. Season the chicken pieces with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper. Coat each chunk evenly to lock in flavor.
4. Add the chicken to the hot skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Flip pieces halfway so they brown on all sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and season with the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
6. Lower the heat to medium, then add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
7. Add the minced garlic to the peppers and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t brown too much.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates the luscious base of our sauce.
9. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens—approximately 3–5 minutes. Keep the heat moderate to avoid curdling.
10. Return the seared chicken and cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them completely in the creamy sauce.
11. Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan and toss to combine, ensuring every piece is luxuriously smothered.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright citrus finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY CAJUN SHRIMP AND CHICKEN PASTA
After all that hard work, it’s time to plate up and impress. With the vibrant colors of peppers and fresh garnishes, this dish looks as inviting as it tastes. Here are a few fun ways to elevate your presentation and enjoyment:
- Serve Family-Style in a Deep Dish
Pile the pasta into a large, shallow bowl or cast-iron skillet right at the table. This encourages diners to dig in and share, creating a cozy, communal vibe.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Just before serving, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh parsley on top. The contrast of green and white against the creamy sauce makes each plate pop visually.
- Pair with a Crisp White Wine
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness and highlights the Cajun spice. Pour into tall wine glasses to lend a touch of elegance.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon
Offer lemon wedges at the table so everyone can brighten their portion with a few drops. The citrus tang balances the creaminess and enhances the seafood flavors.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY CAJUN SHRIMP AND CHICKEN PASTA
Having leftovers is one of the best perks of cooking this show-stopping pasta. Properly storing it ensures that the sauce stays velvety and the shrimp remain tender. Follow these tips to preserve both flavor and texture for up to three days:
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Transfer cooled pasta into a sealed container. This prevents the sauce from absorbing other odors and retains moisture.
- Layer with Parchment Paper
If you notice excess liquid separating, place a sheet of parchment paper on top before sealing. It acts as a barrier and keeps the sauce cohesive.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
For up to one month, freeze portions in a sturdy, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet over low heat.
- Gently Reheat
Avoid the microwave when possible; instead, warm in a saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or cream. This method revives the sauce’s silky texture and heats both chicken and shrimp evenly.
CONCLUSION
From the first bite of spice-kissed sauce to the last forkful of tender chicken and shrimp, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a celebration of flavor, color, and comfort. We’ve taken you through each step—cooking the pasta to al dente perfection, searing proteins to lock in juices, and crafting a rich sauce that brings everything together in creamy harmony. With easy customization tips and serving suggestions, you can tailor this dish for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends. Don’t forget you can print this article and save it in your recipe binder for effortless access whenever those cravings strike. Plus, you’ll find a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions about ingredients or techniques.
I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Drop a comment with your favorite spice adjustments, veggie add-ins, or wine pairings. If you have any questions about cooking times, storage tips, or garnishing tricks, let me know—I’m here to help make your kitchen adventures as fun and stress-free as possible. Happy cooking!
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Description
A luscious blend of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and bell peppers in a velvety, spice-kissed Alfredo-style sauce. Every bite bursts with Cajun heat, creamy richness, and vibrant color for a satisfying weeknight feast.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the shrimp, season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Lower the heat to medium, add the bell peppers to the skillet, and sauté until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
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Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.
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Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
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Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, toss to combine, and ensure everything is heated through.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the pasta.
Note
- Customize the heat by adjusting the Cajun seasoning amount to your taste.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Consider using a mix of bell pepper colors for a visually vibrant dish.
- For a twist, use fettuccine or linguine pasta instead of penne.
- This dish pairs excellently with a crisp, chilled white wine.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
