Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

October 18, 2025 by youssef

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the Protein: In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken and shrimp with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta, cooked chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything until evenly coated and heated through.
Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and optional red pepper flakes, if desired.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Cajun Seasoning: The salt content in Cajun seasoning blends can vary. Be sure to taste the sauce before adding extra salt at the end.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or pasta water.