Picture this: a creamy, flavorful pasta that combines the richness of chicken, the juiciness of shrimp, and an unforgettable sauce. Chicken and shrimp pasta dishes are unique in that they offer the best of both worlds lean chicken and juicy shrimp all in one dish, creating a delightful experience in every bite. Whether you’re craving something creamy, a touch of spice, or something fresh and simple, chicken and shrimp pasta can turn an ordinary dinner into a satisfying feast. Here, we’re diving into three must-try recipes that showcase the versatility of this beloved combo.
Recipe 1: Lemon Herb Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
These fresh ingredients come together to create a vibrant and refreshing Lemon Herb Chicken and Shrimp Pasta a perfect blend of zesty lemon, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp, all coated in a light herb-infused sauce.
Lemon Herb Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
A fresh, light pasta dish with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and a touch of garlic, perfect for a refreshing twist on this classic recipe.
- 1 lb linguine or spaghetti
- 1/2 lb boneless (skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced)
- 1/2 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley and basil (chopped (for garnish))
- Cook Pasta: Boil linguine or spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or white wine), scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated in the sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish: Top with fresh parsley and basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot.
- Notes: For a creamier sauce, you can add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the lemon sauce before adding the pasta. Adjust the lemon juice to your preference for more or less tang.
Nutrition Information
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fat: 22g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Refreshing: The zesty lemon and fresh herbs make it a perfect choice for warm days.
- Simple Yet Flavorful: Combines garlic, lemon, and herbs for a bright, balanced taste.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Lemon Juice and Zest: The fresh lemon flavor is key; if unavailable, substitute with lime juice for a different twist.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a mild herb flavor, but you can use fresh thyme or oregano instead.
- Chicken Broth or White Wine: Provides depth to the sauce, with white wine adding a more complex taste.
How to make the recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the Chicken and Shrimp: Season with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking for a flavorful base.
- Cook in Layers: Sautéing each ingredient separately ensures balanced cooking.
- Build the Sauce: The garlic-lemon sauce should simmer briefly for a fresh, fragrant finish.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook just until pink to keep them juicy.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil add brightness, so avoid dried herbs for garnish.
- Lemon Balance: Adjust the lemon juice to get just the right amount of tang without overpowering.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Spinach: Throw in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier option, swap regular pasta with whole wheat or a gluten-free alternative.
- Extra Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or lemon juice if the pasta is too dry.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a light, balanced meal.
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Shrimp Pasta brings a fresh, light option to your dinner table, combining the tang of lemon with succulent shrimp and juicy chicken for a pasta dish that’s both easy and delicious.
———————–
Recipe 2: Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
A spicy, flavorful Cajun dish with bold seasoning and juicy shrimp.
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1/2 lb chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Cook Pasta: Boil penne until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Season and Sauté: Coat chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, then sauté in olive oil until cooked.
- Add Vegetables: Add peppers and cook until tender.
- Combine with Cream: Pour in cream, add Parmesan, and stir well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spicy and Bold: A perfect choice for those who love Cajun flavors.
- Easy to Adjust: Add more seasoning or cream to suit your taste.
- One-Pan Dish: Minimal cleanup makes it ideal for busy nights.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cajun Seasoning: You can make your own mix with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess; replace with half-and-half for a lighter dish.
How to make the recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Season the Proteins: Use Cajun seasoning generously.
- Cook in Batches: Sauté chicken and shrimp separately for the best texture.
- Build Layers of Flavor: Adding the vegetables and cream to the pan builds depth.
Expert Tips for Success
- Control the Heat: Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will absorb some sauce, so don’t overcook it initially.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on low, stirring in a little cream if needed.
—————————
Recipe 3: Garlic Butter Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
A light, garlic-infused pasta that’s deliciously simple and satisfying
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 lb chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cook Pasta: Boil the spaghetti until al dente, then set aside.
- Cook Chicken and Shrimp: Melt butter and sauté chicken until golden. Repeat with shrimp.
- Add Garlic: In the same pan, cook garlic until fragrant, then toss pasta and proteins.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Garlic Lovers’ Dream: Infused with fragrant garlic butter.
- Light yet Flavorful: Perfect for a balanced meal.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Butter: Use unsalted to control salt levels.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor; use more if you’re a garlic fan.
How to make the recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Melt Butter: For a rich, smooth flavor.
- Cook in Stages: Ensures each ingredient gets the perfect texture.
Expert Tips for Success
- Avoid Overcooking Garlic: It should be fragrant, not browned, to avoid bitterness.
- Season Gradually: Add salt in layers for balanced flavor.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Veggies: Spinach or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
- Swap Proteins: Use salmon or scallops for a seafood twist.
Related Recipes
- Shrimp Chicken Alfredo: The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Dish: for another shrimp and chicken pasta variation.
- Quick and Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo with Pro Tips: for a creamy pasta highlight.
- Chicken and Shrimp Recipe: a delicious recipe for garlic butter chicken and shrimp
Conclusion
These three chicken and shrimp pasta recipes showcase the versatility of combining chicken and shrimp with pasta. Whether you crave creamy Alfredo, spicy Cajun, or a simple garlic butter, each recipe offers something unique and delicious. Give them a try and discover your new favorite chicken and shrimp pasta dish!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?
How can I adjust the spiciness of the Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta?
What type of pasta is best for these dishes?
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Can I add vegetables to these pasta dishes?
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Can I make these dishes gluten-free?
Share Your Thoughts
We’d love to hear from you! – Your email address will remain private. Mandatory fields are indicated as required.
3 thoughts on “Top 3 Easy Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipes to Try”