Introduction
Blackened Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat and a lot of flavor. The blackened chicken and shrimp bring a delicious smoky flavor to the dish, while the Alfredo sauce provides a creamy and comforting element. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this Blackened Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
To make Blackened Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps
1. In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Season the chicken breasts and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
4. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
6. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
10. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the Alfredo sauce.
11. Slice the blackened Cajun chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the pasta.
12. Place the cooked shrimp on top of the chicken.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations
There are several ways to customize this Blackened Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo recipe to suit your preferences:
– You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
– For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
– If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add additional cayenne pepper.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the best Blackened Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo:
– Make sure to season the chicken breasts and shrimp generously with the Cajun seasoning mixture to ensure a flavorful result.
– Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.
– To save time, you can prep the Cajun seasoning mixture and marinate the chicken and shrimp in advance.
– For a creamier Alfredo sauce, you can add a little extra Parmesan cheese or a splash of milk.
Conclusion
Blackened Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce. With its smoky and spicy undertones, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavorful combination of blackened chicken, succulent shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Fettuccine works well with this dish, but you can also use penne, linguine, or even spaghetti.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the Alfredo sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken and shrimp.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may be less thick and creamy.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning as well.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken and shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken and shrimp if you have leftovers or prefer a quicker preparation. Simply heat them through in the skillet before adding them to the pasta and sauce.
Blackened Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
A mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce. Blackened chicken and shrimp bring a delicious smoky flavor to the dish, while the Alfredo sauce provides a creamy and comforting element. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to impress guests.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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8 ounces fettuccine pasta
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
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Season chicken breasts and shrimp with the Cajun seasoning mixture.
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Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
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Cook the shrimp in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Melt butter in the skillet, add minced garlic, cook until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Add cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the Alfredo sauce.
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Slice blackened Cajun chicken breasts and arrange on top of the pasta.
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Place the cooked shrimp on top of the chicken.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
