Cajun Chicken Shrimp Pasta (Print Version)

Bold Cajun flavors with chicken, shrimp, and peppers in a creamy sauce over fettuccine for a satisfying meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 350 g), cut into bite-size strips
02 - 225 g large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Pasta

03 - 350 g fettuccine or linguine

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus extra for garnish
09 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
11 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Dairy

12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 200 ml heavy cream
14 - 60 g grated Parmesan cheese

→ Liquids

15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 60 ml chicken broth

→ Garnish

17 - Fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 120 ml of pasta water.
02 - In a bowl, toss chicken and shrimp with 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then add bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan and remaining 0.5 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce has slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
07 - Add cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
08 - Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For extra heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or opt for hot Cajun seasoning.
02 - You can substitute penne or spaghetti for the pasta if preferred.
03 - For a lighter preparation, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
04 - Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer.

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