Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
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 (divided (1 tbsp for chicken, 1 tbsp for sauce)); 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)

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Creamy, spicy, and comfortingly rich — this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is the kind of dinner that turns a busy weeknight into a mini celebration. Juicy shrimp and tender chicken swim in a velvety Cajun-infused cream sauce and cling to every twist of pasta for a meal that’s both indulgent and surprisingly easy. Fun fact: many home cooks discovered Cajun flavors through simple weeknight experiments, so this dish has humble roots but restaurant-worthy results. If you love straightforward recipes with big rewards, try the original post for reference: Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta recipe. This recipe is quick to pull together, family-friendly, and perfect for leftovers — a real winner when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

What is Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta?

What’s in a name? Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta describes exactly what you get: a luscious cream sauce Meet Cajun seasoning, shrimp, and chicken in a pasta bowl — but why is it called that? Did a bold Louisiana cook whisper a secret spice mix into a pot one day? Maybe. Or maybe someone shouted, “Add more cream!” Either way, it’s comfort food with a kick. And if you’re wondering whether “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” this dish might be living proof. Ready to try it and make your own delicious story? Give it a go and see which family member claims it first.

Why You’ll Love This

Bold, creamy flavor: The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika give this sauce a warm, smoky depth that coats every bite, while Parmesan and cheddar add savory richness.
Economical homemade indulgence: Buying a few kitchen staples and using both shrimp and chicken stretches protein while keeping costs lower than takeout.
Crowd-pleasing comfort: Creamy texture and familiar pasta make it great for picky eaters and dinner guests alike — plus it reheats beautifully for lunches.

If you enjoy this version, you might also like a simpler chicken-only option on the blog for busy nights: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Make it tonight and taste why it’s so irresistible — then invite your friends over to share.

How to Make

Quick Overview
This recipe is straightforward and forgiving: cook pasta, sear seasoned chicken and shrimp, then make a quick cream sauce in the same skillet to capture every bit of flavor. Prep and cooking together take about 30–35 minutes, so it’s ideal for weeknights yet fancy enough for guests. The standout element is the silky, spicy sauce that clings to short pasta for perfect bites.

Prep and Cook Time

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 20–25 minutes
Total: About 30–35 minutes

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, divided (1 tbsp for chicken, 1 tbsp for sauce)
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)

Directions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoned with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes if desired.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving and enjoy warm!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

What to Serve With

Simple green salad: mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette: perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
Roasted vegetables: asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add texture and color.
Wine pairing: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the creaminess; for beer, try a pale ale.
For a lighter twist: swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce cheese slightly, then serve with lemon wedges.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Protein timing: Cook chicken longer than shrimp; remove proteins as soon as done to avoid rubbery shrimp and overcooked chicken.
Seasoning control: Cajun blends vary — start with less and add more to taste in the sauce.
Sauce thickness: If the sauce is too thin, simmer a few minutes until it reduces; if too thick, stir in a splash of milk.
Cheese choices: Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother melt; sharp cheddar adds tang.
Pasta choice: Short, ridged pasta (rotini, penne, fusilli) holds sauce better than long noodles.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing to get a good golden crust on the chicken.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing: Cream-based pasta loses a bit of texture when frozen; for best results, refrigerate only. If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, stirring frequently. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between and adding a little liquid if needed. Avoid high heat to prevent separation.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp or rotisserie chicken?
Yes — pre-cooked protein can speed things up. Add pre-cooked shrimp at the end just to warm through to avoid overcooking. Dice rotisserie chicken and fold in with the pasta.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this?
Use canned coconut milk (full fat) or a dairy-free creamer and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The flavor will shift slightly but will remain creamy.

How can I make this less spicy for kids?
Reduce Cajun seasoning by half and skip the red pepper flakes. You can always offer hot sauce at the table for adults.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
You can prepare the proteins and sauce separately a few hours ahead. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta right before serving.

What’s the best way to get more sauce to cling to the pasta?
Cook pasta until just al dente and finish tossing it in the skillet with the sauce for a minute or two so the pasta absorbs the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta proves that bold, comforting dinner doesn’t have to be complicated — just a few smart steps and pantry spices stand between you and a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. It reheats well, stretches across meals, and brings that addictive creamy, smoky flavor to your table. If you’re curious about other takes on Cajun pasta and want more inspiration, check out this excellent variation on the topic: Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta – Chocolate with Grace. Give this recipe a try, share it with family or friends, and enjoy the smiles it brings.