This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that combines juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta in a bold and creamy Cajun sauce. It’s the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness—just like a dish you’d order at a top-notch Cajun restaurant.
This one-pan meal is quick and easy, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option while still feeling fancy enough for a special occasion. If you love creamy pasta dishes with a little kick, this recipe is for you!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Protein:
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8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne, bowtie, or rigatoni)
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or tail-off, based on preference)
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste, depending on spice preference)
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1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
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2 tbsp unsalted butter (for richness and flavor)
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3 cloves garlic, minced (adds a deep, savory taste)
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1 cup heavy cream (creates a luscious, velvety sauce)
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1 cup whole milk (balances the richness of the cream)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds depth and a salty bite)
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (melts smoothly into the sauce for extra cheesiness)
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1 tsp smoked paprika (enhances the Cajun flavor with a smoky touch)
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for an extra spicy kick)
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste, especially depending on your Cajun seasoning blend)
For Garnish & Serving:
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for color and freshness)
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Extra Parmesan cheese (for a finishing touch of flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
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Drain the pasta and set aside. (Tip: Save ¼ cup of pasta water to add to the sauce later if needed.)
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
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In a bowl, season the diced chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, tossing to coat evenly.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
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Season the shrimp with ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning.
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook!
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Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
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Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet.
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Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to combine.
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Add the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and remaining ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning.
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Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
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Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet.
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Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
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Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
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Serve warm and enjoy this rich, spicy, and ultra-satisfying Cajun pasta!
Pro Tips for the Best Cajun Pasta
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Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast and become rubbery if left too long on the heat.
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For a smoother sauce, stir in the cheese gradually instead of all at once.
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Let the sauce thicken before adding the pasta to get a rich, creamy texture.
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For extra spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes.
Variations to Try
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Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta – Swap the shrimp for sliced andouille sausage for a smokier flavor.
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Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
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Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
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Cheesy Cajun Pasta Bake – Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until golden.
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Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?
Some great store-bought options include:
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Tony Chachere’s Original Cajun Seasoning
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Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
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McCormick Cajun Seasoning
You can also make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! This recipe works well with:
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Penne
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Bowtie (Farfalle)
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Fettuccine
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Rigatoni
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a bit of a kick, but you can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes and using less Cajun seasoning.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, do so without the shrimp, as they can become rubbery when reheated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor Restaurant-Quality – Tastes like something from a Cajun bistro! Creamy & Spicy – The perfect balance of rich and bold flavors