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Home » Healthy Dinner Ideas » Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

December 3, 2022 30 Minute Meals

Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

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Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is a healthy, creamy pasta dish full of bold, spicy flavors. It's incredibly delicious and cooks in under 30 minutes. With over 30 grams of protein per serving and the option to be gluten free, this is sure to become a new weeknight staple.

cajun chicken and shrimp pasta in a cast iron skillet with two gold forks.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
  • Ingredients In This Creamy Cajun Pasta
  • How To Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
  • Expert Tips and Recipe Notes
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Storing and Reheating Instructions
  • Recommended
  • Did you make this recipe?
  • Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
  • Check out latest posts

This rich and creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is the best weeknight dinner. It's made with just 10 main ingredients and cooks up in less than 30 minutes.

Similar to my Chipotle Chicken Pasta, this dish is packed with both protein and flavor and can easily be made gluten free with just a simple swap of the pasta.

The entire family is sure to love this healthy and creamy, Cajun pasta. Keep reading for all my tips and tricks!

Why You'll Love This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

  • It's made with simple ingredients
  • You can easily make it gluten free
  • There's over 30 grams of protein per serving
  • This creamy Cajun pasta dish cooks in under 30 minutes
  • A great use for leftover chicken
  • It is a healthy dinner that the whole family loves

Ingredients In This Creamy Cajun Pasta

ingredients to make cajun chicken and shrimp pasta labeled with black text.
  • Chicken: For this recipe I usually use chicken breast, but chicken thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken would also work well
  • Shrimp: I like to use a large shrimp that are about 30/35 per pound. Both fresh or frozen will work, just as long as they're raw
  • Pasta: Any shape of pasta works in this creamy dish. I used fettuccini, but rotini, spaghetti, or penne also are great. You can even use a gluten free pasta if you prefer
  • Heavy cream: This is an important ingredient in order to achieve that thick, creamy sauce. You can try substituting with coconut cream if needed, but I haven't tried it
  • Milk: You will need a small amount of milk to thin the sauce. I think whole milk is best, but you can use any kind you have on hand. (even a non-dairy milk)
  • Parmesan cheese: The parmesan cheese adds a nice richness to the dish and also helps to make the sauce creamy. I don't recommend any substitutes
  • Veggies: Both onions and spinach are already in this creamy Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta, but see below for more veggie options you can add
  • Spices: You'll only need salt and Cajun seasoning for flavoring. Both homemade Cajun seasoning or store-bought will work

How To Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking once cooked
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the prepared shrimp until both sides are pink and they begin slightly curling. Take the shrimp of of the pan and set on a plate once cooked
  3. Add the chicken to the same pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, moving them around to ensure they're cooked through. Put the cooked chicken onto the same plate as the shrimp and set aside while you make the sauce
  4. Turn the heat down to medium/low and melt the other tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add in the chopped onion and cook until soft.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute
  6. Keep the heat at medium/low and add the heavy cream, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt, and parmesan cheese. Bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken. Once thickened, turn the stove off and let the residual heat wilt the spinach
  7. Once spinach is wilted, add the reserved shrimp, chicken, and pasta into the skillet and gently stir to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce
cooked pasta in a silver strainer.
Cook pasta according to package instructions
cooked shrimp and chicken on a white plate.
Cook chicken and shrimp and set aside
creamy cajun sauce with spinach in a cast iron skillet.
Make the Cajun sauce
Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta in a cast iron skillet.
Add everything to the pan and toss in the sauce

Expert Tips and Recipe Notes

  • Use gluten free pasta to make this dinner gluten free
  • If you don't have both chicken and shrimp you can use just one protein, it's still super yummy
  • This is a great recipe to use up leftover chicken with, just stir it in once the sauce is made, and serve
  • If adding extra veggies, be sure to sauté them with the onions so they soften
  • Use room temperature cream to prevent the possibility of it splitting
  • This isn't a good meal prep recipe because cooked shrimp only stays good for 3 days

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is a pretty rich and creamy dish. I suggest pairing it with a simple kale salad, cucumber salad, or some garlic bread to help soak up the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp should I use?

For this Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta I like to use large shrimp. The ones I buy are usually 31/35 per pound. In this recipe, both fresh and frozen (that have been thawed) will work as long as they're raw.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

You can use whatever type of pasta shape you like! I like fettuccini for this particular dish, but one like rotini or penne would also hold the sauce well.

Can I make this creamy Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta gluten free?

Yes, just substitute the pasta with your favorite type of gluten free pasta. I've found that both Jovial Foods or Trader Joe's brown rice pasta are great gluten free options.

Am I able to add veggies?

Sure, you can always add more veggies to a dish! It already has onions and spinach in it, but tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli would all be tasty in it.

Why is my Cajun sauce runny?

If your sauce is runny, then you didn't let it boil long enough. You should be able to make a figure "8" in the sauce with a wooden spoon before turning the heat off.

How many calories are in Cajun chicken pasta?

It's about 380 calories per serving, but full nutrition facts can be found in the recipe card down below.

gold fork twirled with fettuccini pasta in a creamy Cajun sauce.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

STORING: You can store any leftover Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

REHEATING: To reheat, scoop your desired portion into a microwave safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 second intervals until warmed through.

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Did you make this recipe?

If so, I would appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Also, follow me on Instagram and tag me or use #incoleskitchen so I can see what you make and share it.

Print

Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

cajun chicken and shrimp pasta in a cast iron skillet with two gold forks.
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Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is a healthy, creamy pasta dish full of bold, spicy flavors. It's incredibly delicious and cooks in under 30 minutes. With over 30 grams of protein per serving and the option to be gluten free, this is sure to become a new weeknight staple.

  • Author: Nicole Radcliffe
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 Minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 ounces of pasta (any shape will work)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • ½ pound large, raw shrimp- peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound chicken breast- cut into bite size pieces
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic- minced
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream- room temperature
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 ounces baby spinach
  • Squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking once cooked
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the prepared shrimp for 2 minutes a side, or until both sides are pink and the shrimp begins slightly curling. Take the shrimp of of the pan and set on a plate
  3. Add the bite size pieces of chicken to the same pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, moving them around with a wooden spoon to ensure they're cooked through. Put the cooked chicken onto the same plate as the shrimp and set aside while you make the sauce
  4. Turn the heat down to medium/low and add the other tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add in the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the pan, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant
  6. Next, add the  heavy cream, milk, Cajun seasoning, salt, and parmesan cheese. Bring to a boil and boil for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. Once thick, turn off the stove add in the spinach, and let the residual heat wilt it
  7. Once spinach is wilted, add the shrimp, chicken, and pasta into the skillet and gently stir to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve immediately 

Notes

  • Use gluten free pasta to make this dinner gluten free
  • If you don't have both chicken and shrimp you can use just one protein, it's still super yummy
  • This is a great recipe to use up leftover chicken with, just stir it in once the sauce is made, and serve
  • If adding extra veggies, be sure to sauté them with the onions so they soften
  • Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent the possibility of it splitting
  • This isn't a good meal prep recipe because cooked shrimp only stays good for 3 days
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Keywords: cajun shrimp pasta, creamy cajun pasta, cajun pasta with chicken and shrimp

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Hey, I'm Nicole! I'm here to share simple and nutritious, whole food recipes. (with a side of indulgence of course) Most recipes can easily be made gluten free or dairy free so there's something for everyone to enjoy!

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