Creamy Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Penne
This Creamy Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Penne is bursting with smoky, spicy flavors and a luscious cream sauce that’s perfect for any night.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Penne Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
Sauté the Chicken and Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the creamy Cajun sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Garnish and Serve
- Finish with a pinch of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Silicone spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
Notes
- Use fresh chicken breast and shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
- Try adding vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat level to your preference.