Description
A rich and flavorful creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta that combines tender shrimp, juicy chicken, and vibrant bell peppers in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Protein & Seasoning
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Dairy & Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces and season with the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté peppers and garlic: Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the peppers are softened and fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the sautéed peppers and garlic, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheese and combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by using more or less Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
- For extra brightness and flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Use penne or fettuccine depending on your pasta preference; both work well to hold the creamy sauce.
- To reduce the richness, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick.
