If you are craving something bursting with bold flavors and creamy comfort, you have to try this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It brings together perfectly seasoned chicken and shrimp, coated in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that clings to tender linguine noodles. This dish is a vibrant celebration of Cajun spices combined with fresh ingredients, making every bite a delightful escape to a cozy, Southern-inspired feast that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple yet flavorful is the key to nailing this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Each ingredient plays an essential part, whether it’s adding rich creaminess, a kick of spice, or that satisfyingly savory finish.
- Linguine (300 g / 10.5 oz): This long, flat pasta perfectly holds the creamy Cajun sauce, giving the dish a lovely texture.
- Salt: Adds flavor depth to the pasta water for perfectly seasoned noodles.
- Shrimp (225 g / ½ lb): Peeled and deveined, these add a sweet and briny contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Chicken breast fillets (450 g / 1 lb): Cut into bite-size pieces, they soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- Cajun seasoning (3 tablespoons): The heart of the dish — a blend of bold spices that brings that signature Southern heat.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (30 g / 2 tablespoons): Used in two portions to add richness and help build the sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing the proteins while keeping them juicy and flavorful.
- Garlic cloves (2 large, finely chopped): Infuses the sauce with a wonderful aromatic punch.
- Dry white wine (75 ml / ⅓ cup): Deglazes the pan, adding subtle acidity and depth to the sauce.
- Double cream (200 ml / 1 cup): The creamy base that makes every bite rich and satisfying.
- Parmesan (30 g / ⅓ cup, grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish that perfectly rounds out the flavors.
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 package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside but keep a little pasta water reserved — this will help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Proteins
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until well coated. Heat the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken first and cook for 5-6 minutes until starting to brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, then remove and keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté the finely chopped garlic until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits — this adds amazing flavor. Let it reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Then stir in the double cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Add the parmesan cheese and mix until melted and incorporated. Toss the linguine into the skillet, carefully folding to coat each strand in that spicy, creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect consistency.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and crunch are key to balancing this creamy dish. Top with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a bright green pop, and sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top to keep that cheesy vibe alive. A light squeeze of lemon juice before serving can also brighten up those rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty French baguette is always a hit here, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful shrimp and chicken nestled on a bed of creamy linguine. For a rustic touch, garnish with whole sprigs of fresh herbs. For entertaining, try plating individual portions with a swirl of sauce and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra spark of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the cream sauce may thicken — just add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that silky texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the cream sauce and delicate shrimp, but if necessary, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Use freezer-friendly containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a little cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power as the seafood can become rubbery and the sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is ideal because it holds cream sauces well, fettuccine or penne can also work beautifully with the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat primarily comes from the Cajun seasoning, which varies by brand. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, or make your own blend for a milder or hotter version.
Can I substitute the cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich and thick as the classic version.
What wine pairs best with this pasta?
A crisp dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, spicy flavors without overpowering them. Plus, it’s the same type of wine used to build the sauce!
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Definitely! Just swap out the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning blend and other ingredients are free from gluten-containing additives.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my cherished favorites, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone wanting a meal that feels both indulgent and soulful. The marriage of spicy seasoning, tender proteins, and creamy sauce creates something truly unforgettable. Take a little time in your kitchen to whip it up — I promise it will become a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta combines tender chicken breast and succulent shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce over perfectly cooked linguine. Infused with bold Cajun seasoning and topped with parmesan, this dish offers a delightful mix of flavors that’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
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
Seasonings and Fats
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
- 200 ml (1 cup) double cream
- 30 g (⅓ cup) parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Protein: Season the chicken pieces and shrimp with 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. This will infuse the proteins with bold Cajun flavors.
- Sear the Chicken and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces first, cooking until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Then add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by about half to concentrate flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the double cream and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Protein: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add Parmesan and Serve: Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the pasta and toss again just before serving to meld the flavors and add a cheesy finish.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce Cajun seasoning quantity to taste.
- You can substitute double cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
