Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Rice

This is a surf-and-turf comfort dish that hits every note: golden Cajun-spiced chicken, juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce draped over the top. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor, the kind of dinner that makes everyone go back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two proteins, one skillet. Chicken and shrimp both get their moment, seasoned with the same bold Cajun blend.
• That creamy cheese sauce. Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese come together into a rich sauce that ties the whole dish together.
• A filling, complete meal. Rice, protein, and sauce all in one plate, no extra sides required.
• Ready in 45 minutes, making it a satisfying option even on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

For the Cajun Shrimp and Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large pieces
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Rice

1. Season the chicken and shrimp. Season the chicken and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

2. Cook the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.

3. Cook the shrimp. In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and tender. Remove from the skillet.

4. Start the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.

5. Melt the cheese. Stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until thick, creamy, and fully melted.

6. Assemble the plates. Place the cooked white rice on plates or a serving platter. Spoon some of the creamy cheese sauce over the rice.

7. Add chicken and shrimp. Arrange the Cajun chicken and shrimp over the rice.

8. Finish and serve. Drizzle with the remaining cheese sauce, garnish with chopped parsley and extra black pepper, and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Rice

• Cut the chicken into even pieces. This helps it cook through at the same rate for a juicy, evenly done result.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. Two to three minutes per side is plenty; they’ll turn rubbery if left too long.
• Whisk the flour and milk together gradually to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, since pre-shredded cheese can make it slightly grainy.

What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Rice

This dish is a full meal on its own, but a simple steamed vegetable or a light green salad rounds things out nicely if you’d like something fresh alongside it.

Frequently Asked Questions