Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Luxurious Dinner That Feels Special

Craving a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make? Say hello to this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta—a luxurious dinner that’s perfect for turning an ordinary evening into something truly special. Imagine tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and al dente pasta tossed in a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s rich in flavor but light on effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dish brings restaurant-quality elegance to your table without the fuss.

What makes this recipe a standout? It’s protein-packed, family-friendly, and endlessly versatile. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a gourmet meal at home? This Chicken and Shrimp Pasta has you covered. Let’s dive in and create something unforgettable!

Key Benefits of Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is your answer. Packed with lean protein from chicken and shrimp, it’s a meal that fuels your body while satisfying your taste buds. But the benefits don’t stop there—here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
• Versatile: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs—gluten-free pasta, dairy-free cream, or extra veggies all work beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your guests (or yourself!) with a gourmet meal that feels indulgent without the hassle.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its creamy, flavorful sauce—a blend of garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of cream that ties everything together. It’s rich without being heavy, making it the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s gather the ingredients and dive into this luxurious yet approachable recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this luxurious yet easy-to-make dish:

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine pasta (or your favorite pasta—gluten-free works too!)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for a pop of color and sweetness)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (keep some extra on hand for garnishing)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for a fresh, vibrant finish)

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme works perfectly)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pro Tips for Ingredient Prep

• Shrimp: Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
• Chicken: Slice it thinly and evenly for quick, uniform cooking.
• Pasta: Cook it just until al dente—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor, so skip the pre-minced jars if you can.

With these simple, high-quality ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that’s both restaurant-worthy and totally doable at home. Ready to start cooking? Let’s move on to the instructions!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Ready to bring this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta to life? Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious. I’ll guide you through each step with tips to ensure perfection—let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Start by filling a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bringing it to a vigorous boil. Add 8 oz linguine pasta and cook until al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions).
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help create a silky, cohesive sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Shrimp

1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in 1 tbsp olive oil.
2. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp olive oil and toss in the 1 lb shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and place them with the chicken.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
2. Toss in the 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
3. Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
2. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce coats the pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
2. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken and shrimp in batches if needed to ensure a perfect sear.
• Adjust consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Parmesan to suit your preferences.

And there you have it—a restaurant-quality Chicken and Shrimp Pasta that’s ready to wow your taste buds! Serve it hot and enjoy every luxurious bite.

Pro Tips and Variations for Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Want to make this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta truly your own? Here are some pro tips and creative variations to help you customize the dish, troubleshoot common issues, and elevate your cooking game. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, these insights will ensure your pasta turns out perfectly every time!

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque—overcooking can make them rubbery.
• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a richer flavor compared to pre-minced jars.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky, cohesive texture.
• Season in layers: Add a pinch of salt and pepper at each cooking stage (chicken, shrimp, sauce) to build depth of flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet: Cook the chicken and shrimp in batches if needed to ensure a perfect sear.

Creative Variations

• Add some heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
• Add veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
• Switch the protein: Replace shrimp with scallops or chicken with turkey for a different twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free compliant.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Prepare the sauce, chicken, and shrimp in advance, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
• Store leftovers: Keep any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.
• Freeze for later: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

With these tips and variations, you can adapt this luxurious Chicken and Shrimp Pasta to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s a versatile recipe that’s as fun to experiment with as it is to eat!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Now that your Chicken and Shrimp Pasta is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve it in a way that feels special and complete. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will help you create a memorable meal. Let’s make this dish the star of your table!

Perfect Pairings

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Balance the richness of the pasta with a light, crisp salad. A classic Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy and colorful touch.

Wine Pairings

• White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and seafood flavors perfectly.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: For a refreshing alternative, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a mocktail like a virgin mojito.

Presentation Tips

• Garnish generously: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan on top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Use a warm plate: Serve the pasta on warmed plates to keep it hot and inviting.
• Family-style serving: Place the pasta in a large, shallow bowl or platter for a rustic, shareable presentation.

Occasion Ideas

• Date Night: Pair this dish with candlelight, soft music, and a glass of wine for a romantic evening.
• Family Dinner: Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a comforting family meal.
• Dinner Party: Impress your guests by pairing it with a charcuterie board and a decadent dessert like tiramisu.

With these serving suggestions, your Chicken and Shrimp Pasta will feel like a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table.

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Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Jessica

Indulge in creamy Chicken and Shrimp Pasta—quick, luxurious, and perfect for any occasion. A restaurant-quality meal made easy at home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine pasta or your favorite pasta—gluten-free works too!
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
• 3 garlic cloves minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (for a pop of color and sweetness)
• 1 cup heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese keep some extra on hand for garnishing
• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (for a fresh, vibrant finish)

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme works perfectly
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pro Tips for Ingredient Prep

• Shrimp: Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
• Chicken: Slice it thinly and evenly for quick uniform cooking.
• Pasta: Cook it just until al dente—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor so skip the pre-minced jars if you can.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Start by filling a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bringing it to a vigorous boil. Add 8 oz linguine pasta and cook until al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions).
• Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help create a silky, cohesive sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Shrimp

• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
• In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp olive oil and toss in the 1 lb shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and place them with the chicken.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

• In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
• Toss in the 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
• Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Sprinkle in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce coats the pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
• For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken and shrimp in batches if needed to ensure a perfect sear.
• Adjust consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

There you have it—a luxurious Chicken and Shrimp Pasta that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat! This dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet elegance, making it ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. With its creamy sauce, tender proteins, and al dente pasta, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with lean protein and can be easily adapted to suit your taste or dietary needs.

As you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is a winner. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying—everything a great pasta dish should be. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Trust me, this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!

FAQs About Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Got questions about this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help you nail this recipe and make it your own.

With these FAQs, you’re all set to tackle this Chicken and Shrimp Pasta with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these tips will help you create a dish that’s as delicious as it is stress-free.