Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
922 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo includes fettuccine pasta cooked al dente and sautéed chicken pieces and shrimp spiced with garlic powder and Cajun seasoning. The creamy sauce combines butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious texture and depth of flavor. Cooking shrimp and chicken separately ensures even doneness and maximum flavor retention.
The Cajun seasoning adds a mildly spicy and smoky note to the protein, contrasting with the richness and mellow taste of the cream-based sauce. Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile. The sauce thickens slightly from the cream cheese melding into the hot cream, coating the pasta evenly.
Serving this Alfredo variation provides a satisfying meal combining protein and pasta with a creamy, flavorful sauce. It fits well for lunches or dinners where a hearty dish with a Cajun influence is desired. Adjusting salt levels is recommended due to varying salt content in Cajun seasonings.
Allow cream cheese to soften before starting to help it incorporate smoothly into the sauce. If using higher salt Cajun seasoning, reduce additional salt to prevent oversalting.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine uncooked
- 2 chicken breast cut into 1" pieces
- 1/2 pound Shrimp thawed & peeled, 31/40 size
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning use a low or no salt variety, plus 1/2 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese e.g., 1/2 block of Philly brand
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge 30+ minutes prior to starting the recipe (or microwave it for 20-30 seconds).
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
- If the shrimp are frozen, thaw them under cool running water. Peel them (leave tails on if you want). Pat shrimp dry. Cut the chicken into 1" pieces. Sprinkle the shrimp and chicken with the garlic powder and 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Add the oil to a deep skillet over medium-high heat, and once the pan is hot, cook the shrimp for about 3 minutes (flip once), then transfer them to a plate.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes or until cooked through, stirring occasionally (let it brown a bit). Transfer it to the same plate as the shrimp.
- Take the skillet off the heat and add in the butter, cream, cream cheese, remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and garlic. Return the pan to the stove (reduce heat to medium), and stir for a couple of minutes until the cream cheese has dissolved in the sauce.
- Let the sauce bubble gently for about 2-3 minutes, or until it's slightly thickened.
- Stir in the parmesan and then add the shrimp and chicken back to the pan. Let it warm through for a couple minutes. Season with extra salt & pepper as needed.
- I like to add a splash of hot pasta water (a tablespoon or two) to the skillet prior to draining the fettuccine to thin the sauce a little (optional). Toss the drained pasta with the sauce and serve immediately. I like to add a little more grated parmesan and some chopped parsley. A squeeze of lemon is delicious too!
Notes
- Use low or no salt Cajun seasoning to control saltiness in the dish.
- Soften cream cheese beforehand to blend evenly into the sauce.
- Season protein with Cajun spice but limit extra salt based on seasoning salt content.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 922 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 922kcal | 46% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 55g | 110% |
| Fat | 57g | 88% |
| Saturated Fat | 29g | 145% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 344mg | 115% |
| Sodium | 800mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 898mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2578IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 358mg | 36% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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