Imagine a dinner that combines the best of land and sea, bathed in a silky, rich garlic-parmesan sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Sound too good to be true for a weeknight? Think again! This Irresistible Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta recipe is here to prove that gourmet flavors are achievable in your own kitchen with minimal fuss.
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The succulent shrimp and tender chicken offer a delightful textural contrast, while the luxurious sauce binds everything into a harmonious, unforgettable meal.
Why This Pasta Dish is a Must-Try
Our Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta isn't just another meal; it's an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s destined to become a regular in your rotation:
- Flavor Fusion: Enjoy the perfect blend of savory chicken, sweet shrimp, and aromatic garlic, all embraced by a creamy sauce.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Restaurant-Quality: Achieve a sophisticated, indulgent taste that rivals your favorite Italian eatery, right at home.
- Satisfying & Hearty: Packed with two types of protein, this pasta will keep you feeling full and happy.
Get ready to ditch boring dinners and elevate your weeknight meals to something extraordinary. This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Gather Your Ingredients for a Culinary Delight
A great dish starts with great ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing creamy garlic shrimp and chicken pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne recommended)
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Mastering Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
Follow these straightforward steps to create a dish that's sure to impress:
- Step 1: Cook your preferred pasta according to package directions in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Set both aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until it's beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Step 4: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the fragrant garlic butter. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken. For more detailed tips on perfect shrimp cooking, you can consult resources like Food Network's guide on how to cook shrimp.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it completely melts and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the luscious creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure everything is well coated. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and glossy with the delicious sauce.
- Step 7: Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve your magnificent Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta immediately, offering extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire more. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Pasta
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook chicken and shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they sear properly and don't steam.
- Pasta Water Magic: That reserved pasta water is key! It helps adjust sauce consistency and adds body.
- Fresh is Best: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and a smoother melt.
Make It Your Own: Delicious Variations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable:
- Add Some Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic adds a wonderful kick.
- Boost the Veggies: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or stir in a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes at the end.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Enjoy Your Culinary Masterpiece!
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. It’s elegant, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to indulge in a dish that’s bound to become a new favorite!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure the frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and prevents excess water from thinning your sauce.
What's the best pasta shape for Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices as they have surfaces that effectively capture and hold the creamy garlic sauce. You can also use spaghetti or farfalle if that's what you have on hand!
How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked and rubbery?
Shrimp cook very quickly! Sear them on medium-high heat for only 2-3 minutes per side, or until they just turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan immediately once cooked to prevent overcooking.
Can I add vegetables to this creamy pasta dish?
Yes, adding vegetables is a fantastic idea! Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Sautu00e9 heartier vegetables like mushrooms before adding the chicken, and stir in spinach or peas at the very end to just wilt them.
Irresistible Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A quick and easy, restaurant-quality pasta dish featuring tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook your pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry and season them generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir well until everything is evenly combined and glossy with the delicious sauce.
Step 7: Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Enjoy your magnificent Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta!
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference in the sauce's texture and flavor. Don't overcook the shrimp!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
