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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
