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Hearty and Elegant Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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