Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that combines tender pieces of chicken and shrimp with a flavorful Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe brings together creamy textures and bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• For the shrimp:
  • 10 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (if frozen, thawed)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
• For the chicken:
  • 1 and 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 – 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
• For the Alfredo sauce:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream
  • 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 and ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain, then drizzle with a few drops of olive oil and toss to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 and 1/2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp to the same hot skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add cream cheese and stir until softened and combined.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, then add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.
6. Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked penne pasta, shrimp, and chicken to the sauce and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Use fettuccine or linguine pasta if you prefer long noodles over penne.
• Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast for a juicier texture.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short increments, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to help loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp straight from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw frozen shrimp fully before cooking to ensure even cooking. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place in a bowl of cold water for quicker thawing.

Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and keep it warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, whisk in a little cream or milk to restore the desired consistency before adding the pasta and proteins.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a decadent and flavorful dish combining perfectly cooked penne pasta with tender Cajun-spiced chicken and shrimp all enveloped in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce flavored with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. This comforting meal is cooked entirely on the stovetop, making it a quick yet indulgent dinner option bursting with savory Cajun flair.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 1 lb penne pasta

For the Shrimp

• 10 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken

• 1 and 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 – 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Alfredo Sauce

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 and ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, drizzle a few drops of olive oil, toss to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 and 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt, freshly ground black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 5-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, paprika, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly. Add the shrimp mixture to the same hot skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add softened cream cheese and garlic (minced or finely chopped) if desired, stirring until cream cheese is softened and incorporated. Pour in 2 cups heavy cream and add 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to combine and bring the sauce to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 and ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked penne pasta, shrimp, and chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your flavorful Creamy Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo Pasta!

Notes

• If desired, add minced garlic when melting butter for added flavor in the sauce.
• You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
• Do not overcook the shrimp or chicken to keep them tender and juicy.
• Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo, Cajun Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipe, One Pan Dinner, Stovetop Alfredo