A rich, creamy pasta loaded with juicy chicken, tender shrimp, bold Cajun flavor, and extra protein from Greek yogurt and high-protein pasta.
Servings
4–6 servings
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Pasta
- 10 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched pasta)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
Creamy Sauce
- 4 oz light cream cheese
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- Juice of ½ lemon
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Season the Protein
Mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
Season chicken and shrimp lightly.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp to skillet.
- Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove and set aside.
5. Sauté Vegetables
In the same pan cook:
- Bell pepper
- Onion
Cook 4–5 minutes.
Add garlic and spinach and cook until spinach wilts.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in:
- Cream cheese
- Chicken broth
- Milk
Whisk until smooth.
Add:
- Greek yogurt
- Parmesan
- Lemon juice
Do not boil once yogurt is added.
7. Combine Everything
- Return chicken and shrimp to skillet.
- Add cooked pasta.
- Toss until coated.
Use reserved pasta water if needed to thin sauce.
Meal Prep Tips
- Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
Extra Protein Ideas
- Add extra shrimp
- Mix in cottage cheese blended smooth
- Use protein pasta for an additional 10–20g protein
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Protein: 45–55g
- Calories: 500–620
- Carbs: 35–45g
- Fat: 16–22g
