Want to make something that is both healthy and creamily delicious? The Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta recipe is all you need; a perfect idea for a weeknight dinner.
The creamy Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is rich in taste, high in protein, and, surprisingly, can be a gluten-free meal. The most enjoyable part of making this creamy cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is that it takes only 30 MINUTES to get ready!
This quick and simple recipe will amaze you with its wholesome flavors. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
6 Reasons To Love This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta:
It requires a few simple ingredients.
You can make this pasta gluten-free easily.
This creamy pasta gets ready quickly in 30 minutes.
You can gain 30g of protein per serving.
A wholesome dinner to enjoy with family.
It is best for the use of leftover chicken.
Ingredients You Need For This Recipe:
This simple pasta recipe requires simple ingredients that you can find easily anywhere.
Let’s get moving!
1 pound chicken breast
½ pound raw shrimp
⅔ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
¼ cup parmesan cheese
2 ounces of fresh spinach
⅓ cup whole milk
½ tsp kosher salt
6 ounces pasta
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp butter
½ cup onion
Squeezed lemon juice
Easy Steps to Make the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta:
You are almost there! Once you have gathered the ingredients, follow the steps and prepare this delicious pasta recipe quickly in just 30 minutes.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Add 2 cups of water with a sprinkle of salt in a large pot and pour the pasta inside. Now cook the pasta for about 20 minutes until it becomes or follows the package instructions.
Once the boiled pasta is ready, rinse it with cold water, mix it with a dip of oil, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
Place a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter, and cook shrimp on medium heat. Continue the process while the shrimp turn pink from both sides. Once the shrimp are ready, set them aside on a plate.
Next, add the chicken to the same pan and cook for 5-6 minutes. Ensure that you flip the chicken gradually to make it cook well. When the chicken is ready, combine them with shrimp on a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cajun Sauce
Add the other tbsp of butter and melt it on low-medium heat. Next, add chopped onions and cook until they become soft.
Now pour the minced garlic and cook the mixture for 1 minute. Keep the heat low-medium and add heavy cream, milk, salt, Cajun seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
Mix and boil everything for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce becomes thick enough. Once the creamy sauce is ready, turn off the stove and sprinkle the spinach to heat up a little.
Step 4: Add Pasta, Chicken, and Shrimp and Enjoy!
Once the spinach slumps well, pour the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp into the pan. Stir well to toss everything in the creamy Cajun sauce.
Now serve this healthy, creamy pasta meal and enjoy a delicious dinner with your family!
Brilliant, Helpful Tips to Remember:
You can swap the pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
If both chicken and shrimp are unavailable, use only one protein. It will still taste good.
The best way to use leftover chicken; add in the sauce, stir, and serve!
Add more veggies if you want. Ensure that you cook them well with onions.
Always use the room temperature cream to avoid the risk of it breaking.
Since cooked shrimp stays good for 3 days only, there might be better meal prep recipes than this.
7 Best Serving Ideas for Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta:
Various side dishes options are available to pair up with Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta. Let’s have a look:
You can store this creamy Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for only up to 3 days. Because the cooked shrimp only tastes suitable for 3 days.
Reheating:
For reheating, you can simply add the amount of pasta you need in a safe bowl and microwave it for 30 seconds or more if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which shrimp is the best to use for this recipe?
To make this recipe, large raw shrimp is the best choice. You can use fresh and frozen, which will work great in pasta.
Can I use different-shaped pasta?
Absolutely! You can use pasta of your choice, any shape you like. Using fettuccine or penne-style pasta is more efficient, but you can use others too.
How can I make Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta gluten-free?
No worries! You can easily do it. There are many gluten-free pasta options available; buy one and enjoy.
Can I add extra veggies to my pasta?
Yes, for sure! This recipe includes onions and spinach, but you can add broccoli, carrots, peppers, or your favorite ones. Remember to cook them all with onions.
Why does the Cajun sauce look watery?
It happens when you do not cook your sauce for a longer time. All the ingredients need some time to cook. When making the sauce, ensure that you cook it well until it becomes a finely thick texture.
How can I make this Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta recipe healthy?
No need to worry! This recipe includes all the rich-nutrient ingredients. You will gain 380 kcal and 30g of protein per serving. For a full nutrition chart, you can check below.
Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Tastes Heavenly!
Areena
Here’s yet another mouth-watering treat for all the pasta lovers out there! This creamy pasta has bold and spicy flavors. Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is delicious and is ready to serve in 30 minutes. It offers over 30 grams of protein per serving, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for your loved ones. Additionally, it is gluten-free. So do give it a try ! !🐔 🦐 😋
Cook pasta in it according to the instructions on the package.
Drain and rinse pasta with cold water so you can prevent sticking.
Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Melt a tablespoon of butter in it.
Cook the prepared shrimp for 2 minutes per side. Both sides should be pink by the end of cooking and begin to curl slightly.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and place them on a plate.
Now add the bite-size chicken pieces to the same pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep moving chicken pieces around using a wooden spoon to ensure they cook through.
Set the cooked chicken on the same plate as the shrimp.
Set the dish aside while you prepare the sauce.
Next, turn the flame down to low or medium, then add another tablespoon of butter. When it melts, add in the chopped onion.
Cook further for 5 to 7 minutes. Sirr frequently until it softens the onion.
Include the minced garlic in the pan, and cook until it becomes fragrant.
Add the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, milk, salt, and parmesan cheese. Bring the dish to a boil.
Boil for 3 to 4 minutes until you see the sauce is thickening. After it gets thick, turn off the gas.
Add in spinach, and allow the residual heat to wilt it.
Now add the shrimp, chicken, and pasta to the skillet. Gently stir so that everything becomes creamy, and mix well in Cajun sauce.
Adjust seasoning as you need. Serve hot!
Notes
If you wish to make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
When adding extra veggies, sauté them with the onions to soften them.
You are free to use any one protein —chicken or shrimp. It’s still delicious.
Using room-temperature heavy cream is a good idea. It keeps it from splitting.
This recipe is unsuitable for meal prep as the shrimp only stays fine for 3 days.
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
Keyword cajun chicken and shrimp pasta recipe, healthy chicken and shrimp pasta recipes
article by
Areena
Areena is a talented writer at The Foodnom, where she enthralls readers with her captivating food-related content.