This recipe for Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo has succulent shrimp and tender chicken. It is perfectly flavored with cajun seasoning and is all nestled in a bed of pasta tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce. This is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that will be a masterpiece on your dinner table!
About the Recipe
Everyone loves a delicious and easy pasta dinner, and this is it! This chicken and shrimp fettuccine Alfredo has tender shrimp, delicious chicken breast, and a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce.
This pasta dish has a cajun twist that is sure to be a crowd pleaser and can be served for various occasions. It’s a comforting and satisfying option for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Making this for dinner is a great way to treat yourself or your family to a restaurant-quality meal without leaving the comfort of your home.
I love serving with garlic bread and a simple side salad.
If you are looking for more shrimp recipes, check out our: Pan Seared Shrimp, Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta, Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Bread, Blackened Shrimp Bowls, or Colossal Baked Jumbo Shrimp.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Delicious - You will love the velvety and creamy sauce that is made with butter and garlic. Combined with the cajun seasoned shrimp and chicken, this combination is a welcomed twist to a classic Alfredo recipe.
Simple - Despite this recipe’s gourmet appeal, this recipe is really quite simple to prepare. It is perfect for weeknights and dinner parties when you would prefer your time in the kitchen to be limited.
Crowd pleasing - This pasta recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a romantic date night, a gathering with friends, or just about anytime you are looking for a comforting meal. It appeals to a range of palates with its indulgent and perfectly balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy shrimp recipe:
- Olive oil - Always choose a high quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Chicken - You will use two chicken breasts cut into strips.
- Shrimp - Use one pound of peeled and deveined raw shrimp.
- Cajun seasoning
- Pasta - I used fettuccine, but you can use penne pasta, rigatoni, or any kind of pasta you have on hand.
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy whipping cream
- Salt & black pepper
- Parmesan - You will use parmesan cheese in both the sauce and sprinkled on top as a garnish.
Directions
Let's make this chicken and shrimp pasta together!
Recipe Video
Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, chicken and cajun seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the pasta in a large pot of water according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 4: While the pasta cooks, add melt butter and add garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 5: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
Step 6: Add salt, black pepper and 2 cups of parmesan cheese to the skillet. Whisk until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
Step 7: Add the cooked chicken, cooked shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, as needed.
Step 8: Serve with additional parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this creamy cajun pasta:
Use fresh shrimp - For the best results, choose fresh, high-quality shrimp. You will want to look for firm with translucent flesh and a slight sea-like scent. Be sure to avoid shrimp that has a strong ammonia smell or signs of discoloration.
Reserve pasta water - Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the cooking water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to adjust its consistency and help it cling better to the pasta.
Serve Immediately - Alfredo sauce tends to thicken as it cools. For the best taste and texture, serve your dish immediately after preparation.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this easy dinner idea recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Large skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with enough room to toss the chicken, shrimp and pasta with the sauce.
Pasta Bowl - I love serving pasta in good quality pasta bowls. They're perfect for a variety of dishes, so they're super versatile!
Fettuccine pasta - Buying quality pasta online is so easy. This fettuccine is super high quality and you can have it delivered straight to your house!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this chicken and shrimp alfredo pasta recipe:
Herbs - Garnish with herbs like fresh parsley or rosemary.
Pasta - Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Whole wheat pasta or gluten free pasta would also work in this dish.
Cheese - While Parmesan is traditional, you can explore other cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Gruyère for distinct flavors. You could also add in cream cheese for extra creaminess to the dish.
Cajun seasoning - If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cajun seasoning. Alternatively, if you love heat, increase the amount of cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this delicious dinner:
Easy Tuscan Roasted Broccoli - This Easy Tuscan Roasted Broccoli is the best roasted broccoli recipe you'll ever make! This easy side dish recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner.
Easy Lemon, Asparagus, and Whipped Goat Cheese Tart - This easy lemon, asparagus, and whipped goat cheese tart is a perfect appetizer, quick weeknight meal, or great spring inspired dish that your whole family will love!
Greek Cucumber Salad - Packed with crisp mini cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, this delightful salad is one you will want to make right away! There is a generous amount of fresh dill and lemon juice, bringing refreshing flavors to every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and chicken, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
You can use milk or a mixture of milk and cream, but the sauce might not be as rich and creamy.
Fettuccine pasta is the classic pasta choice for Alfredo, but you can use other similar pasta shapes like linguine or tagliatelle. Choose pasta with a rough surface to help the sauce adhere.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this simple recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Shrimp and Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts sliced in 2 in pieces
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 lb pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, chicken, and cajun seasoning to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add shrimp to the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes, until cooked. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, add butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Add heavy cream. And reduce heat to low.
- Add salt, black pepper, and 2 cups parmesan cheese to the pan and whisk until cheese is melted.
- Add pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss until combined, adding pasta water to thin the sauce as needed. Serve with additional parmesan cheese.
J Margheret says
Easy to make and tastes super delicious! Great instructions with photos! Family loves this meal.
Christina Musgrave says
Thank you so much!