Savory Chicken and Shrimp Pasta

Name: Savory Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Classic Recipes

I absolutely love this Savory Chicken and Shrimp Pasta! It's the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The combination of succulent chicken, tender shrimp, and a medley of vegetables tossed in a creamy garlic sauce is truly irresistible. I've experimented with different types of pasta and seasoning, and this version balances flavors beautifully. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, this pasta has become a go-to in my kitchen and one that I love to share with family and friends.

Created by

Jackies

Last updated on 2026-02-15T14:54:18.649Z

When I first made this Savory Chicken and Shrimp Pasta, I wanted to create something that would impress my dinner guests without taking hours in the kitchen. The secret lies in the quick cooking method that ensures everything comes together seamlessly. Cooking the chicken and shrimp in the same pan allows their flavors to meld beautifully, infusing the pasta with a rich, savory taste.

One of the most satisfying parts of this dish is how easily it adapts to what you might have on hand. I often swap in seasonal vegetables or different pasta shapes. I've also learned that a fresh squeeze of lemon at the end elevates the dish even further, brightening all those savory flavors!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful blend of proteins that satisfies all cravings
Creamy sauce that coats perfectly without being overly heavy
Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient substitutions

      

Pasta Perfection

Selecting the right pasta can significantly enhance your dish. Fettuccine is an excellent choice for this recipe due to its ability to hold onto sauces. Consider cooking it until just al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce. If fettuccine isn’t available, you can easily swap in linguine or penne, but keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly.

To ensure your pasta doesn’t stick together, I recommend tossing it with a splash of olive oil immediately after draining. This simple step can make a big difference in the overall texture of your dish, keeping each strand separate and allowing the creamy sauce to envelop each piece just right.

Perfectly Cooked Proteins

When sautéing the chicken, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat. This ensures a nice sear and prevents sticking. Look for a golden-brown color on the chicken’s surface; it should take about 5-7 minutes. If you notice the chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to avoid uncooked centers.

For the shrimp, be cautious not to overcook them. They should only take about 3-5 minutes to turn pink and opaque. Once they start curling, they are nearly done. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye. If you're feeling adventurous, replace shrimp with scallops for a slightly sweet twist while keeping the cooking times similar.

Variations and Customizations

This dish is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to add extra vegetables that you have on hand. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach can all be excellent additions. Just keep in mind the cooking times of these vegetables; for instance, cherry tomatoes will need less time than broccoli. You can toss them in during the last minute of sautéing to maintain some firmness.

Additionally, for those looking to reduce dairy, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream as an alternative to heavy cream. It will offer a different, yet delightful flavor profile, making this recipe suitable for vegan or lactose-free diets. Just ensure you adjust the seasoning to balance the unique flavor of these alternatives.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Steps

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Add Shrimp and Vegetables

Stir in the shrimp, broccoli, red bell pepper, and garlic into the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and the vegetables soften.

Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

To make this dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta. Experiment with different vegetables based on what you have available!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning ahead, you can cook the chicken and shrimp a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheating them gently on the stovetop prevents them from drying out. You can also prepare the creamy sauce ahead of time; just reheat it slowly on low heat, stirring to prevent separation.

To make meal prep even easier, consider cooking the pasta ahead but leave it slightly underdone. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta in boiling water for just a minute or incorporate it directly into the reheated sauce for a freshly cooked texture.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, serve this dish in large, shallow bowls garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick for those who enjoy a little spice. Pair it with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta.

An excellent drink pairing would be a chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, which complements the flavors without overpowering the dish. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or lime is refreshing alongside the rich flavors of this pasta.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and shrimp mixture ahead. Just reheat it and add the freshly cooked pasta before serving.

→ What can I substitute for fettuccine?

You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite seasonal vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or asparagus.