Creamy Cajun Mardi Gras Pasta with Shrimp and Chicken Recipe
Mardi Gras Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by the festive spirit of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras. This creamy Cajun pasta combines tender shrimp, juicy chicken, and a rich cream sauce seasoned with Cajun spices, delivering a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness. A quick and satisfying meal that brings the bold flavors of New Orleans right to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
Proteins
- 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Proteins: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with chicken.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the cream sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to combine well. If using, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired for extra freshness and color.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
- Use fresh shrimp and chicken for best flavor and texture.
- To make this dish gluten free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Mardi Gras Pasta, Cajun pasta, shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning, Louisiana recipe
