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chicken and shrimp pasta

How to Make Chicken and Shrimp Pasta at home

jack
Enjoy a restaurant-quality chicken and shrimp pasta right at home. This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce with a hint of lemon. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or tongs
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless skinless chicken breasts | about 1 lb
  • 1 lb shrimp | peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz pasta | fettuccine penne, or spaghetti
  • 3 cloves garlic | minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream |
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese | grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil |
  • 4 tbsp butter | divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley | chopped
  • 1 whole lemon | zest and juice
  • - - salt and pepper | to taste
  • - - red pepper flakes | optional

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Optional: add paprika for extra flavor.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and let rest, then slice into strips.
  • Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let thicken for 3–5 minutes.
  • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
  • Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  • Gently stir in the sliced chicken and shrimp until combined and heated through.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.