Let me share with you a dish that always feels like a special occasion at home, the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe. This creamy, spicy pasta combines perfectly seasoned chicken and succulent shrimp with a rich, cheesy sauce that clings to every strand of fettuccine. It’s comfort food with a lively twist, bringing bold Cajun flavors right to your dinner table in a way that’s both indulgent and inviting. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe hits all the right notes for a memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples you’ll likely have on hand, yet each one plays an essential role in building the bold flavors and decadent texture of this dish. From the tender chicken pieces and juicy shrimp to the creamy blend of cheeses and spices, you’ll see how every component works harmoniously.
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine: The perfect pasta choice to soak up that luscious Alfredo sauce with every bite.
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into 1″ pieces): Tender, juicy, and seasoned to bring that hearty protein element.
- 1/2 pound shrimp (thawed & peeled): Adds sweetness and a satisfying seafood touch that pairs beautifully with Cajun spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic garlic punch without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tablespoon + 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Use low or no salt varieties to perfectly balance spice and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken and shrimp while adding richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Contributes to a silky sauce and deep buttery flavor.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The heart of the Alfredo sauce, creating that indulgently creamy texture.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic to boost flavor vibrancy in the sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: The savory, nutty cheese that makes Alfredo unmistakably delicious.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance flavors and enhance the dish.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cream Cheese and Pasta
Let your cream cheese come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or give it a quick 20-30 second zap in the microwave to soften it up. This helps it melt smoothly into your sauce later. While you prep the cheese, boil a large pot of salted water, ready to cook your fettuccine al dente as per the package instructions.
Step 2: Season Your Proteins
If your shrimp are still frozen, thaw them quickly under cool running water and peel off the shells, tails on or off depending on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry so they sear nicely. Cut your chicken into bite-size one-inch pieces. Sprinkle both shrimp and chicken liberally with garlic powder and half of your Cajun seasoning to infuse them with that trademark spicy kick.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, cook the shrimp for about 3 minutes, flipping once until they’re pink and just cooked through. Quickly remove them from the skillet and place on a plate to rest. This ensures they don’t overcook and become rubbery later.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add your chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting the chicken brown nicely to develop flavor and a bit of crust. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to the plate with the shrimp so they’re ready to rejoin the sauce shortly.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Remove the skillet from heat and toss in butter, cream, cream cheese, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic. Return the skillet to a medium heat and stir gently until the cream cheese melts and everything blends into a silky, luscious sauce. Let it bubble softly for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken up just right.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Proteins
Now stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce even more. Add your cooked chicken and shrimp back into the skillet, letting them warm through in the sauce for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed — this final touch brings everything into perfect harmony.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta and Serve
To get the sauce just the right consistency, add a splash or two of reserved hot pasta water before draining your fettuccine (optional, but highly recommended!). Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet to coat every strand with that velvety sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, or a zing of lemon juice to brighten things up.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant splash of green and fresh aroma, while a bit of extra grated parmesan provides that irresistible cheesy finish. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness and lift the flavors even higher. These small touches make a big difference at the table.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides. Consider serving with a light green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also work perfectly for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation at dinner parties, consider serving the Alfredo in individual shallow bowls to showcase the vivid colors of the shrimp and chicken atop the creamy white sauce. You could also sprinkle some smoked paprika or a hint of extra Cajun seasoning on top for guests who like a little more heat. Fresh herbs like basil or chives add an elegant touch, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe stores well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the best texture, avoid overcooking the shrimp in the first place, as reheating can sometimes make seafood tough. Keeping the components well covered helps maintain the creamy sauce’s integrity.
Freezing
Freezing Alfredo dishes can be tricky because dairy sauces might separate, but it’s still doable. Cool the dish completely and freeze in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. The texture might be slightly altered, but you can reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to bring back creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often. Adding a little bit of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water helps restore the sauce’s silky texture. Be careful not to overheat, especially the shrimp, since it can become rubbery quickly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional because it holds the creamy sauce beautifully, you can swap it for linguine, penne, or even spaghetti depending on your preference or what you have at hand.
How spicy is this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
The spice level is moderate and balanced thanks to the Cajun seasoning. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning. If you want it milder, use less seasoning or choose a milder Cajun blend.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Since this recipe relies heavily on cream, cream cheese, and parmesan, making a dairy-free version requires substitutions like coconut milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan parmesan-style products. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different but can still be delicious.
Is it okay to prepare the sauce and proteins ahead and just cook the pasta when ready?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy Cajun sauce along with the cooked chicken and shrimp a few hours ahead and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat gently, cook fresh pasta, and toss everything together for best results.
What can I do to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cooking shrimp quickly over medium-high heat and removing them promptly is key. Also, avoid reheating shrimp multiple times. Adding them back to the sauce at the very end and warming only gently preserves their tender texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for both casual family dinners and special gatherings. The perfect balance of creamy indulgence and lively Cajun spice feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own—it’s the kind of meal that turns simple ingredients into unforgettable moments around the table.
Print
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo combining tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce infused with Cajun spices. Perfectly tossed with fettuccine pasta for a hearty, indulgent meal that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into 1″ pieces)
- 1/2 pound shrimp (31/40 size, thawed & peeled)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided, use low or no salt variety)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (about 1/2 block of Philly)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting or warm it in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to soften for easier melting.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water if desired.
- Season Shrimp and Chicken: If frozen, thaw shrimp under cool running water, peel (optional to leave tails on), and pat dry. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle both shrimp and chicken with garlic powder and half of the Cajun seasoning (1/2 tablespoon).
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add shrimp and cook about 3 minutes, flipping once, until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until cooked through and browned slightly, stirring occasionally. Transfer with shrimp to the plate.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Remove skillet from heat. Add butter, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic to the pan. Return to medium heat and stir continuously for a few minutes until the cream cheese melts completely and sauce combines.
- Thicken Sauce: Let the sauce gently bubble for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Protein: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then add cooked shrimp and chicken back into the sauce. Warm through for a couple of minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Optionally, add a splash (1–2 tablespoons) of reserved hot pasta water to thin the sauce slightly. Toss drained fettuccine into the skillet to coat well with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and an optional squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese ahead of time for a smooth sauce.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to your preferred spice level.
- Leaving shrimp tails on can add visual appeal.
- Using low or no salt Cajun seasoning helps control sodium.
- Add pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors.
