Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This irresistible Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and al dente linguine in a creamy, spice-infused sauce that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana. Ready in just 25 minutes, this restaurant-quality dish delivers bold flavors perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. The velvety cream sauce with a kick of Cajun seasoning creates the perfect backdrop for this protein-packed pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish in just 25 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: This dish rivals anything you’d order at a fancy restaurant but costs a fraction of the price to make at home.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy sauce balances beautifully with the spicy Cajun seasoning, creating layers of flavor that dance on your palate.
• Protein-Packed: With both chicken and shrimp, this pasta dish is hearty and filling without being heavy.
• Impressive for Guests: Need to wow dinner guests? This recipe looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s actually quite simple!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Linguine: Creates the perfect base for soaking up the creamy sauce. Its flat shape holds the sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the proteins, adding a subtle fruity note to the dish.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky texture in the sauce. Using unsalted lets you control the sodium level.
• Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show! This spice blend brings heat, depth, and that authentic Louisiana flavor.
• Shrimp: Provides a sweet, delicate seafood flavor that cooks quickly and absorbs the Cajun spices beautifully.
• Chicken Breast: Offers a mild, tender protein that balances the bolder flavors in the dish.
• Garlic: Adds essential aromatic depth to the sauce—fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
• White Wine: Deglazes the pan and adds acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Double Cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
• Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty dimension while helping to thicken the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: The final touch to balance and enhance all the flavors.

Variations

Make It Your Own

• Vegetable Boost: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Dial the Cajun seasoning up or down depending on your heat preference, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Seafood Extravaganza: Replace the chicken with additional seafood like scallops or crab for an oceanic feast.
• Pasta Options: Swap linguine for fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles if you’re watching your carbs.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for parmesan if you need a dairy-free version.

How to Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the linguine until just al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1-2 cups of starchy pasta water—this is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later! Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Proteins

In a small bowl, toss your shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until well coated. In another bowl, do the same with your chicken pieces. Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large pan over medium heat until the butter is melted and foaming slightly. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In the same pan, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Add the remaining butter to the pan along with the chopped garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and stir to incorporate.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the double cream, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan until melted and incorporated.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked shrimp and chicken to the pan, gently folding them into the sauce. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Mise en Place: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking—this dish comes together quickly!
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it 1-2 minutes less than package directions for perfect al dente texture that will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Season the Pasta Water: Make it “as salty as the sea” for properly flavored pasta.
• Pat Proteins Dry: Before seasoning, pat your shrimp and chicken dry with paper towels for better browning.
• Room Temperature Cream: Take your cream out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to prevent it from curdling when added to the hot pan.
• Reserve That Pasta Water: The starchy water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

• Bread: A crusty piece of garlic bread or toasted baguette is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
• Vegetables: Balance the richness with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus.
• Wine Pairing: The dish pairs beautifully with the same dry white wine you used in cooking—a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness to each plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, making for a delicious next-day lunch.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce can separate and the pasta texture will suffer upon thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! Cajun seasoning varies in heat level between brands. Start with half the amount specified and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in the dish.

What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth plus a teaspoon of lemon juice to add that acidity the wine provides. You’ll still get a flavorful sauce without the alcohol.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp or rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes, this is a great shortcut! Just add them to the sauce at the end just long enough to heat through. Since they’re already cooked, you’ll avoid tough, overcooked proteins.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil, the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (the kind in cans), and skip the parmesan or use nutritional yeast instead. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta brings restaurant-quality dining to your kitchen table with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and that creamy, spice-infused sauce creates a meal that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for weeknights. Don’t be surprised when this becomes a requested favorite in your home—it’s that perfect balance of comfort food with a flavorful kick that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try tonight and watch it disappear!

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