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To make this dish, you need a few key items. Here’s the list: - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 2 cups chicken broth - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish These ingredients blend perfectly to create a rich and savory meal. The chicken and shrimp offer protein. The pasta and veggies add texture. You can mix things up with a few optional items. Try these if you want variety: - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Different pasta types, like fettuccine or spaghetti - Zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning. If you want less heat, use less. If you love spice, add more! Garnishes make your dish look and taste better. Here are some ideas: - Chopped fresh parsley for color - Extra Cajun seasoning for more flavor - A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness These garnishes enhance the dish and make it more appealing. They add freshness and a pop of color to your plate. Enjoy this hearty delight! Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) - 2 cups chicken broth - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Make sure to chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper before you start cooking. This makes everything quick and easy. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it browned and fully cooked. After that, take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside. Next, in the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This step gives your dish great flavor. Now, add the shrimp. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, which takes about 3 minutes. This is where the magic begins! Once the shrimp is ready, add the can of diced tomatoes with its juice. Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Stir everything together until well mixed. Bring the mix to a boil. After it boils, cover the pot and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook it for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender. Most of the liquid should be absorbed by now. Finally, return the chicken to the pot. Add the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once you finish, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty delight! To boost the Cajun flavor, use fresh spices. You can make your own Cajun mix. Combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. This mix adds depth to your dish. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for more heat. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together. To get the right pasta texture, cook it just until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This prevents it from sticking together. Don't rinse the pasta after cooking. Rinsing washes away the starch. Starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta, making every bite tasty. Serve your one-pot Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta in shallow bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy touch. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor. Pair this dish with a crisp salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. A glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the spice nicely. You can also serve crusty bread on the side to soak up the sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Start by swapping the chicken and shrimp for hearty vegetables. Try using mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. These veggies soak up the Cajun spices well. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This option keeps the dish filling and tasty. If you want to change proteins, fish or tofu works great. For fish, use salmon or tilapia. Cook the fish just like the shrimp. For tofu, choose firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes and sauté it until golden. This gives a nice texture and flavor. Both options keep the dish vibrant. Adjusting the spice level is easy. If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also include cayenne pepper or red chili flakes. For a milder dish, cut back on the spices. You can even add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to cool it down. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish to their liking. To keep your One-Pot Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This helps keep the pasta from getting soggy. When you reheat the pasta, use a skillet or a microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the pasta moist. Heat on low until warm, stirring often. If using a microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Divide it into single servings for easy meals later. Make sure it is in freezer-safe containers. Label each container with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. You can use half-and-half or milk mixed with butter. This gives a rich taste. For a lighter option, consider using coconut milk. It adds a nice flavor too! Yes! You can swap penne for any pasta you like. Fusilli or farfalle work well too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Add more Cajun seasoning to the dish. You can also toss in cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Start small, then taste as you go. This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. Garlic bread makes a nice side too. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthier option. This blog post covered how to make One-Pot Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta. We explored essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for great flavor. You can adjust spice levels and switch proteins too. I shared storage tips for leftovers and answers to common questions. Try this dish for a fun, tasty meal. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures, and remember, cooking is all about creativity!

One-Pot Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta

Dive into the flavors of Cajun Delight with this easy one-pot chicken and shrimp pasta recipe! Packed with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and zesty Cajun spices, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend dinner. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up a comforting and savory dish that the whole family will love. Click through now to discover the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

12 oz penne pasta

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

2 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

      Stir in the shrimp along with the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes.

        Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and penne pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

          Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

            Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

              Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in large, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of extra parsley for color.