Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving something bold and creamy with a bit of spice, Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is the answer. This dish is packed with flavor, offering a delightful blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp and chicken. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's a recipe everyone will love.

Tools You'll Need:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet (for cooking the chicken, shrimp, and sauce)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board (for dicing chicken and mincing garlic)
• Grater (for Parmesan cheese)

Ingredients:

To make this creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the chicken.

4. Prepare the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Now, pour in the heavy cream and milk, followed by the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Everything:

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. If desired, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an extra kick, and adjust the salt to taste.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once everything is well mixed and heated through, transfer the pasta to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Get the Right Pasta: While rotini is great for this dish, feel free to swap it for any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Perfect Creamy Sauce: If your sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
• For Extra Spice: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
• Cajun Seasoning Adjustments: Not all Cajun seasonings are the same. Taste your seasoning before using it and adjust the quantities as needed to suit your spice preference.
• Cheese Choices: For an even cheesier version, add some mozzarella or gouda to the sauce.

Suggested Modifications:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp and chicken for vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to create a flavorful vegetarian option.
• Lighter Version: Use light cream or milk and reduce the butter to make the dish a bit lighter while still keeping the creamy texture.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for added color and nutrients.

Storing and Reheating:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. You can also microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredient quantities and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pasta, chicken, and shrimp ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply heat everything up and mix it with the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While the pasta and sauce freeze well, the shrimp and chicken may lose some of their texture when reheated from frozen. If freezing, store the sauce and pasta separately from the protein, then combine when reheating.

Q: Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp or chicken?
A: Absolutely! This dish works well with any protein, such as turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

With a perfect blend of bold Cajun flavors and creamy comfort, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Try it tonight, and you’ll understand why it’s such a crowd-pleaser!