Creamy Shrimp and Chicken Cajun Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich, flavorful Alfredo sauce with a Cajun twist. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it brings a delicious blend of creamy and spicy notes to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 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
• 1 and 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 – 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 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

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. After draining, drizzle a few drops of olive oil, toss to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 and 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add cream cheese and stir until softened and smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream. Add 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine and bring the sauce to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
7. Step 7: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked penne pasta, shrimp, and chicken back into the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Alfredo pasta with a Cajun twist!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy Cajun seasoning.
• Substitute penne with fettuccine or linguine for a different pasta texture.
• Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a slightly sweeter, creamier sauce.
• Add chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Use grilled or roasted chicken if you prefer a smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp without thawing?

It’s best to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta available at most grocery stores, and double-check your Cajun seasoning to ensure it does not contain any gluten-containing additives.

Creamy Shrimp and Chicken Cajun Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 51 reviews

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

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Description

This creamy shrimp and chicken Alfredo pasta combines tender penne pasta with succulent Cajun-seasoned shrimp and chicken, all enveloped in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. The dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare on the stovetop.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb penne pasta

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

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

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 and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a few drops of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook while stirring constantly until no longer pink inside, about 5-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper to coat evenly. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the cream cheese and minced garlic (if using) and cook until softened and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Add 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, whisking occasionally until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add the cooked penne pasta, shrimp, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss all ingredients gently but thoroughly to evenly coat everything with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy shrimp and chicken Alfredo pasta immediately while hot. Enjoy this rich and flavorful dish as a hearty main course.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor in the sauce.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
• You can substitute penne pasta with fettuccine or linguine if desired.
• For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
• Make sure to not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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

Keywords: Shrimp Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo, Cajun Alfredo Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Penne Pasta Recipe, Cajun Shrimp Pasta