The perfect fusion of land and sea in under 30 minutes!
Introduction
Imagine a dish that combines tender chicken, plump shrimp, and silky pasta smothered in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce—all ready in 30 minutes. Meet your new weeknight hero: Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Pasta. This recipe is the culinary equivalent of a cozy hug, delivering juicy protein, bold flavors, and a luxuriously creamy texture that’ll make you swear it’s from a five-star restaurant.
Fun fact: Combining chicken and shrimp is a trick chefs have used for decades to add depth to dishes (hello, surf and turf!). But here’s the twist: you can master this gourmet combo without breaking a sweat. Think of it as the fancy cousin of our popular One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, but with a seafood upgrade that’ll impress even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just craving something indulgent, this dish checks every box: simple, speedy, and family-approved. Ready to ditch takeout menus and cook up a meal that’ll have everyone licking their plates? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is Chicken and Shrimp Pasta?
Is it a seafood dish? A chicken dinner? A carb-loaded comfort fest? The answer: all of the above! This recipe’s name might sound like a mouthful (pun intended), but trust us—it’s worth every syllable. Legend has it that the dish was invented by a home cook who refused to choose between her husband’s love for shrimp and her kid’s obsession with chicken. Spoiler: Both won.
And let’s be real, who needs a fancy French name when you’ve got a plate this satisfying? As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but we’d argue this pasta works on kids, in-laws, and hungry roommates too. So, grab your skillet and let’s prove that good food doesn’t need a complicated title—just big flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Restaurant-Worthy Flavor, Minus the Drama
Succulent chicken and shrimp bathe in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s rich but not heavy. The secret? A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. It’s like a vacation for your taste buds!
Budget-Friendly Gourmet
For the price of one restaurant portion, you can feed a family of four. Shrimp can be pricey, but buying frozen (and smaller sizes like 41/50 count) keeps costs low without sacrificing quality.
Customizable Toppings Galore
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or crispy bacon bits. Love heat? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer veggies? Toss in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
Psst! If you’re obsessed with creamy sauces, try our Cajun Chicken Alfredo next—it’s a spicy sibling to this recipe.
Ready to become a kitchen rockstar? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins
- Why It’s Easy: One skillet, minimal prep, and foolproof steps.
- Standout Features: Creamy sauce, perfectly cooked proteins, and al dente pasta.
Key Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine (or linguine)
- 1 lb chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, pepper, and olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions; Cook the Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil, season chicken with salt/pepper, and cook until golden (5-6 mins). Set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, cook shrimp 2-3 mins per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 mins.
- Combine Everything: Toss pasta, chicken, shrimp, and sauce. Add pasta water as needed for silkiness.
What to Serve With Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
- Garlic Bread: For sauce-mopping duty.
- Arugula Salad: A peppery contrast to the richness.
- White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio balances the cream.
Top Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They turn rubbery fast! Cook just until pink.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
- Short on Time? Use pre-cooked shrimp and rotisserie chicken.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of cream or broth while warming on low heat.
- Freeze: Portion into containers (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
Hungry yet? Grab your skillet and let’s turn dinner into a standing ovation!
Frequently Asked Questions; Creamy Chicken and Shrimp (FAQ)
Do chicken and shrimp go together?
Absolutely! Chicken and shrimp pair beautifully in dishes like this pasta. The chicken adds hearty, savory flavor, while shrimp brings a sweet, briny contrast. Together, they create a satisfying surf-and-turf combo that’s elevated by a creamy sauce.
What pairs well with shrimp pasta?
For sides, try:
- Garlic bread (to soak up the sauce),
- Crispy Caesar salad (for freshness),
- Roasted asparagus (adds a veggie crunch),
- White wine (like Chardonnay) to complement the richness.
Should I cook chicken or shrimp first?
Cook the chicken first! Chicken takes longer to cook through and develop a golden sear. Remove it from the pan, then cook the shrimp quickly (1-2 minutes per side) to avoid overcooking. Combine them at the end with the sauce.
Can you cook shrimp and chicken in the same pan?
Yes! Use the same pan to build flavor:
- Sear chicken, set aside.
- Sauté shrimp in the leftover fond (browned bits).
- Combine both with the sauce.
Bonus: This saves time and layers flavors. Just avoid overcrowding the pan!