Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Spicy and Savory Dish

If you’re a fan of both seafood and meat, you’ll love this Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta recipe. With its flavorful blend of spices and ingredients, this dish is perfect for those who crave a bit of heat in their meals. In this article, we’ll go over all the steps you need to take to create this delectable dish, including a list of ingredients, cooking instructions, and tips for customization.

Ingredients

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, chicken, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Toss to coat the meat and seafood evenly.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes until the shrimp is pink and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly charred.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for Customization

There are many ways to customize this Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap out the linguine pasta for another type of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne.
• Use different types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels, in place of the shrimp.
• Add more vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to make the dish more or less spicy.

Conclusion

This Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its blend of spices and flavors, it’s sure to please both seafood and meat lovers alike. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself how delicious it can be?

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the shrimp and chicken ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve the dish, simply reheat the meat in a skillet and proceed with the recipe as usual.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp and chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and chicken for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut milk or almond milk.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
5. Can I make this recipe without the Cajun seasoning? While the Cajun seasoning is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can still make a tasty dish without it. Simply adjust the other spices to your liking and add more or less cayenne pepper to control the heat level.