Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

Introduction
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is bold, spicy, and irresistibly creamy! Featuring juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and a rich Cajun-spiced sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and comfort. It’s the perfect restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes! Whether for a cozy dinner or a special treat, this pasta is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:
For the Pasta & Protein:

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8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or rigatoni) 🍝
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
1 lb chicken breast, diced 🍗
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning 🔥
1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream 🥛
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
½ tsp smoked paprika (for extra flavor)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice!)
Salt & black pepper to taste
For Garnish:

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Chopped fresh parsley 🌿
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce later.
2. Season & Cook the Chicken:

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In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:

In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
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4. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

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In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly (about 3 minutes).
Taste and adjust with salt & black pepper as needed.
5. Combine Everything:

Return the chicken and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Serve & Garnish:

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Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy this spicy, creamy, and flavorful Cajun pasta! 😍🔥
Tips for Success:
Want More Spice? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.

Prefer It Lighter? Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.