There's nothing quite like a bowl of creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta to bring a little spice and comfort to your dinner table. The rich, velvety sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while the perfectly seasoned shrimp and juicy chicken add layers of bold, smoky flavor.

I first discovered this dish on a trip to New Orleans, where Cajun spices transformed even the simplest meals into something unforgettable. Ever since, I've worked to perfect my own version—one that’s just as indulgent but easy enough to make at home on a busy weeknight.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible pasta dish. It has everything you need for a satisfying meal: bold flavors, a creamy sauce, and a perfect balance of protein and carbs.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under 40 minutes.

It’s also wonderfully versatile. You can tweak the spice level to suit your taste, swap out proteins, or even add in your favorite vegetables for an extra boost of flavor and texture.

This dish is also a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, the creamy, spicy sauce combined with tender shrimp and juicy chicken is guaranteed to impress.

Finally, it’s budget-friendly. With simple pantry staples and affordable proteins, you get a dish that tastes gourmet without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta comes from a carefully chosen mix of ingredients that create a perfect balance of heat, richness, and freshness.

Pasta is the foundation of this dish, and I recommend using penne or fettuccine. Their sturdy shape allows them to hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Chicken breast is my go-to protein for this dish, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Slice the chicken into thin strips so it cooks quickly and evenly.

Shrimp adds a delicious seafood element that pairs beautifully with the smoky Cajun seasoning. Opt for medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture and flavor.

Cajun seasoning is what gives this dish its signature kick. You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a touch of oregano.

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together. The heavy cream provides a luxurious texture, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth to the dish.

For this recipe, you'll also need a large skillet to sear the chicken and shrimp, as well as a pot for boiling the pasta.

How To Make This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Making this dish is easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta until al dente. While the pasta cooks, prep your chicken and shrimp by seasoning them generously with Cajun seasoning.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken slices first, letting them develop a beautiful golden-brown crust before flipping them over. Once cooked through, remove them from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the shrimp. Cook them for about 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and slightly curled. Remove from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

Now, it’s time to build the creamy sauce. Lower the heat and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and let it become fragrant before pouring in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture.

Finally, return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the pan, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together so the sauce coats every bite. Let it simmer for a minute before serving, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken, but you can easily revive it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to a month. Just be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, so stir well when reheating to bring it back to life.

To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to customize based on your preferences and dietary needs.

If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy texture without all the extra richness.

For a different protein option, try using sausage instead of chicken. Andouille sausage, in particular, adds an extra smoky and spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Vegetables are a great addition to this dish. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms add color and extra depth of flavor. Simply sauté them before making the sauce and toss them in with the pasta.

If you like extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the spice level. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and use a bit more cream to balance out the flavors.

No matter how you customize it, this creamy Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your meal rotation!