Description
A bold and flavorful pasta dish combining Cajun-spiced shrimp and tender chicken, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a perfect kick of heat. This one-pot meal is both comforting and exciting, sure to satisfy anyone craving a rich, spicy pasta dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp and Chicken: Season the shrimp and chicken breast pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and the cheeses melt, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Add red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the shrimp and chicken in the Cajun seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, sautéed
- Cuisine: Southern, American