Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine with this exquisite Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Delight. This dish combines perfectly cooked penne with succulent shrimp, tender chicken, and savory andouille sausage, all simmered in a creamy sauce infused with herbs and spices. It's a fantastic one-pot meal that brings together the heartiness of pasta with a symphony of flavors, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve it hot, topped with fresh basil and parmesan for a deliciously satisfying experience.
4-6
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1/4 cup plus 3/4 teaspoon (divided)
Dry penne rigate
1 lb (dry)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Large shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
Emeril's Original Essence
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (divided)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
3/4 lb (1-inch diced)
Andouille sausage
3/4 lb (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
Yellow onion
1/2 cup (small diced)
Green bell pepper
1/2 cup (small diced)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Chicken stock
1/2 cup (liquid)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (canned)
Fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (liquid)
Fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large stock pot filled with water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1/4 cup of salt and the dry penne rigate. Stir until the pasta is well mixed. Cook the penne until nearly al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2
2. Heat a 14-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring the pan is evenly coated.
3
3. Season the peeled shrimp with 2 teaspoons of Emeril's Original Essence and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan and cook for 1 minute on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
4
4. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Season the diced chicken breast with 2 teaspoons of Essence and 1/8 teaspoon salt, then add to the pan. Sear for about 3 minutes, turning as needed for even browning. Once cooked through, remove and set aside with the shrimp.
5
5. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the diced andouille sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for around 3 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned and the onions are translucent.
6
6. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan.
7
7. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped thyme, remaining tablespoon of Essence, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2 minutes before mixing in the heavy cream. Let this simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
8
8. Now return the shrimp and chicken to the sauté pan, followed by the nearly al dente penne and the reserved pasta cooking water. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp and chicken are fully cooked and the pasta is al dente.
9
9. Once cooked, take the pan off the heat and fold in the fresh basil and grated parmesan. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra basil and cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
18g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Delight?
It is a vibrant Cajun-inspired dish that combines penne pasta with succulent shrimp, tender chicken, and savory andouille sausage in a creamy, spice-infused sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 and 6 people.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of dry penne rigate.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The primary proteins are large shrimp, boneless skinless chicken breast, and andouille sausage.
How long should I cook the penne?
Boil the penne for 10 to 12 minutes until it is nearly al dente before finishing it in the sauce.
What is Emeril's Original Essence?
It is a specific Cajun spice blend used to season the chicken, shrimp, and the sauce.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breast should be diced into 1-inch pieces before searing.
Do I need to save the pasta water?
Yes, you should reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to help finish the sauce.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes yellow onion, green bell pepper, and canned diced tomatoes.
How do I cook the shrimp?
Season the shrimp and cook them in a hot pan for 1 minute on each side until they are pink and opaque.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this pasta?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Each serving provides about 13 grams of protein.
What size pan is recommended?
A 14-inch sauté pan is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after sautéing the sausage and vegetables, cooking it for about 30 seconds.
What kind of cream is used for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of heavy cream to create the creamy texture.
What herbs are used for flavoring?
Fresh chopped thyme and fresh basil leaves are used to flavor the dish.
Should the andouille sausage be diced?
Yes, the andouille sausage should be diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan after sautéing the meats and vegetables.
When is the parmesan cheese added?
The grated parmesan is folded into the pasta once the pan has been removed from the heat.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
While andouille provides authentic Cajun flavor, you can substitute it with other smoked sausages if necessary.
What is the purpose of the reserved pasta water?
The starchy water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and ensures the dish doesn't become too dry during the final cooking stage.
How much salt is used in the pasta water?
A 1/4 cup of salt is added to the large stock pot of water for boiling the pasta.
How long does it take to sear the chicken?
The diced chicken breast should be seared for about 3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, although you boil the pasta separately, the main components are combined and finished in a single large sauté pan.
What color should the shrimp be when done?
The shrimp should be pink and opaque when they are fully cooked.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it hot, garnished with extra fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, though the recipe specifies a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes for convenience and consistency.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 2 minutes after adding the heavy cream to allow the flavors to meld.