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!
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
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.
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.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg