Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This shrimp and chicken pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious homemade meal. It's packed with protein, bursting with fresh flavors, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy, aromatic sauce. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
-
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
-
Create the Sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
-
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
-
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Chicken Pasta:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will become tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to this recipe.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: Substitute the heavy cream with crushed tomatoes for a richer, tomato-based sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Lemon Herb Twist: Increase the lemon juice and add fresh thyme or basil for a brighter, more herbaceous flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy shrimp and chicken pasta recipe is a fantastic option for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and remember to share your culinary creations with friends and family! Happy cooking!