Ultimate Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta – A Flavorful Southern Delight

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta recipe! This Southern-inspired dish is packed with bold flavors and a perfect blend of ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or simply love a hearty pasta dish, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Begin by seasoning the shrimp and chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the seasonings coat the shrimp and chicken evenly.
2. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the seasoned chicken pieces until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
5. In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the red and green bell peppers, onion, and garlic until they are tender.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and let it cook for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
7. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the vegetable mixture. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta and meats are coated with the creamy sauce.
9. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta hot. Enjoy!

FAQ

Q: Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta?

A: Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or eliminate the paprika for a less spicy dish. On the other hand, if you love a kick of heat, feel free to increase the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

A: While fettuccine works beautifully in this recipe, you can certainly substitute it with other pasta options such as penne, linguine, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the instructions for the chosen pasta variety.

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day. When ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the pasta on a stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warmed through.