Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dinner made with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, linguine, parmesan, garlic, and bold Cajun seasoning. The pasta is tossed in a rich cream sauce infused with garlic and white wine for a restaurant-style meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
The combination of seasoned chicken and shrimp gives this pasta plenty of savory flavor, while the creamy parmesan sauce coats every strand of linguine. A little reserved pasta water helps create a smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, family meals, dinner parties, and easy restaurant-style meals at home. If you love creamy Cajun pasta with chicken and shrimp, this recipe is a delicious choice.
Why Everyone Loves Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Cajun sauce: Heavy cream, parmesan, garlic, and Cajun seasoning create a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Tender chicken and shrimp: The chicken and shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spice for bold flavor in every bite.
- Easy one-pan finish: The sauce, protein, and pasta come together in the same pan for less cleanup.
- Restaurant-style flavor: White wine, garlic, butter, and parmesan give this pasta an indulgent flavor.
- Perfectly seasoned: Cajun seasoning adds warmth and spice without requiring a long list of ingredients.
- Great for any occasion: This creamy pasta works just as well for a quick family dinner as it does for a special meal.
Ingredients Overview
- Linguine – Provides the pasta base and holds onto the creamy Cajun sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil – Helps cook the chicken and shrimp while adding subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter – Adds flavor to the pan and helps create the rich sauce.
- Cajun seasoning – Gives the chicken, shrimp, and sauce their signature bold, savory flavor.
- Raw shrimp – Adds tender, juicy seafood flavor to the pasta.
- Chicken breast – Provides lean, tender pieces of protein that pair perfectly with Cajun seasoning.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic savory flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Dry white wine – Deglazes the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
- Double cream – Creates the smooth, rich base of the pasta sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper – Season the finished pasta and balance the flavors.
Variations
- Spicy Cajun Pasta – Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Cajun Chicken Pasta – Leave out the shrimp and increase the amount of chicken for a simple chicken-only version.
- Cajun Shrimp Pasta – Skip the chicken and use additional shrimp for a seafood-focused pasta.
- Vegetable Cajun Pasta – Add sliced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Extra Cheesy Cajun Pasta – Stir in additional parmesan at the end for an even richer sauce.
- Creamier Cajun Pasta – Add a little more cream or reserved pasta water if you prefer a looser, silkier sauce.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook the Linguine
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it generously with salt.
Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve approximately 1–2 cups of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Season the Chicken and Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, coat the shrimp and chicken with approximately 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning each.
Make sure the seasoning is distributed evenly over both proteins.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add half of the butter and allow it to melt.
Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan using kitchen tongs and set them aside.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough when cooked too long.
4. Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the same pan.
Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Stir or turn the pieces as needed so they cook evenly.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside with the shrimp.
5. Build the Cajun Cream Sauce
Add the remaining butter to the pan.
Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring until fragrant.
Pour in the dry white wine and use a spoon to loosen any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the remaining Cajun seasoning.
6. Add the Cream
Lower the heat and stir in the double cream.
If the sauce looks too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Allow the sauce to bubble gently for approximately 1–2 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
7. Add the Parmesan
Turn off the heat.
Stir the grated parmesan cheese into the warm cream sauce until melted and incorporated.
Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
8. Return the Chicken and Shrimp
Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the pan.
Stir gently to coat the pieces with the creamy Cajun sauce.
9. Toss with the Linguine
Add the cooked linguine to the pan.
Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken and shrimp are evenly distributed.
If necessary, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
10. Serve Immediately
Transfer the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta to serving plates.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm.
For extra flavor, finish with a little additional parmesan or Cajun seasoning if desired.
Pro Tips and Cooking Secrets
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly and only need about 3–4 minutes. Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re cooked to keep them tender.
Reserve pasta water. The starchy pasta water can loosen the sauce and help it cling smoothly to the linguine.
Cook the proteins separately. Cooking the shrimp and chicken separately prevents overcrowding and allows both to brown properly.
Add parmesan off the heat. Stirring the parmesan into the warm sauce after turning off the heat helps it melt smoothly without becoming overly thick or clumpy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread – A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add a green salad – A crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Finish with parmesan – Sprinkle extra freshly grated parmesan over each serving.
- Pair with roasted vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers make delicious sides for this creamy pasta.
How to Store Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For the best quality, refrigerate the leftovers promptly and reheat gently to prevent the chicken and shrimp from becoming overcooked.
When reheating, adding a small splash of cream or water can help loosen the sauce.
Can You Freeze Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta?
The provided recipe does not specify freezing instructions, so a specific freezer storage time should not be added without testing the recipe.
For the best texture, enjoy the pasta fresh or refrigerated and gently reheated.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the chicken and shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to finish the pasta.
For the best results, cook the linguine and prepare the cream sauce close to serving time so the pasta remains tender and the sauce stays creamy.
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Linguine works especially well because the flat noodles hold the creamy sauce, but other pasta shapes can also work.
Can I make this Cajun pasta without shrimp?
Yes. Simply omit the shrimp and prepare the recipe with chicken for a creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
Can I make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta without chicken?
Yes. You can leave out the chicken and use additional shrimp for a seafood-focused Cajun pasta.
How do I keep the cream sauce from becoming too thick?
Reserve some pasta water before draining the linguine. Add it gradually to the sauce until you reach the consistency you prefer.
How do I keep the shrimp tender?
Avoid overcooking them. The recipe calls for approximately 3–4 minutes of cooking, turning them halfway through.
Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a milder Cajun seasoning blend if you prefer less heat.
What can I use instead of white wine?
The recipe uses dry white wine to deglaze the pan and add flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, you can use a small amount of chicken broth or seafood stock, although the flavor will be slightly different.
What makes this pasta creamy?
The combination of double cream, parmesan, butter, and reserved pasta water creates the rich, smooth sauce that coats the linguine.
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- large pan or Dutch oven
- kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- 300 g linguine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 30 g unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 225 g raw shrimp (prawns)
- 450 g chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 75 ml dry white wine
- 200 ml double cream
- 30 g parmesan, grated
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it well, and cook the pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Meanwhile, coat the shrimp and chicken in 1 tablespoon of Cajun spice each.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven and melt half of the butter in it. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, flipping it halfway. Remove the shrimp from the pan using kitchen tongs and set it aside.
- Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Add the rest of the butter and garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pot with the white wine, add the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, then lower the heat and stir in the cream. Add some of the reserved pasta water if it looks too dry. Allow it to bubble for 1-2 minutes until it thickens, then turn off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan.
- Add the cooked shrimp and chicken back to the pan and stir to combine. Transfer the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat the pasta with sauce. Season to taste and serve immediately.
