Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo

Nothing says comfort food quite like this creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo that brings families together around the dinner table! This restaurant-quality pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special that comes together in just 25 minutes. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but you’ll know the delicious secret!

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Prep Time: 25 minutes, Total Time: 25 minutes, Serves: 6 people.

Nutrition Profile: Nut-Free, Healthy Aging, Healthy Immunity, Soy-Free, High-Protein, Egg-Free, Low-Calorie.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 392 Calories, 11g Fat, 45g Carbs, 31g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whole-wheat linguine or fettuccine: You’ll need 12 ounces, which is perfect for feeding 6 people. The whole wheat adds great nutty flavor and keeps everyone full longer!

Olive oil: Just 1 tablespoon divided between cooking steps. This helps everything cook evenly without sticking.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: 12 ounces cut into 1-inch pieces works perfectly. Bite-sized pieces cook faster and make every forkful delicious!

Raw medium shrimp: 8 ounces peeled and deveined saves you time. You can buy them already prepped at most grocery stores.

Scallions: ¼ cup thinly sliced adds a mild onion flavor that’s not too strong. Green onions work great too!

Garlic: 2 cloves chopped bring that amazing aroma we all love. Fresh garlic makes such a difference here.

Salt: 1 teaspoon divided throughout cooking helps build flavor in each step.

All-purpose flour: Just 1 teaspoon helps thicken the creamy sauce perfectly.

Half-and-half: ½ cup creates that rich, creamy texture without being too heavy.

Reduced-fat cream cheese: ¼ cup adds extra creaminess while keeping calories in check.

Ground pepper: ¼ teaspoon adds just the right amount of warmth.

Grated Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons divided – some goes in the sauce, some on top for extra cheesy goodness!

Fresh flat-leaf parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped adds a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.

How to Make Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo

Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions, but skip the salt. Drain the pasta but save ½ cup of that starchy cooking water – you’ll need it later!

Step 2: Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them golden brown and almost cooked through.

Step 3: Add shrimp, scallions, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and the remaining ½ tablespoon oil to the skillet. Cook everything together for 3 minutes, stirring often. Both chicken and shrimp should be fully cooked now!

Step 4: Transfer the chicken and shrimp mixture to a bowl and cover to keep warm. Don’t worry, we’re bringing it back soon!

Step 5: Turn the heat down to medium and return the skillet to the stove. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and 1 tablespoon of that reserved pasta water until smooth.

Step 6: Stir in half-and-half, cream cheese, pepper, ¼ cup Parmesan, and the remaining pasta water. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 7: Pour this creamy mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Add the chicken-shrimp mixture back in along with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Toss everything together until well coated with that gorgeous sauce.

Step 9: Transfer everything to a large bowl and add the cooked pasta. Stir gently until every piece is coated with creamy goodness.

Step 10: Divide among 6 bowls and sprinkle each serving with fresh parsley and the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot!

Easy and Quick Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Version

Want to make this even faster? You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead! Just shred about 2 cups of chicken and add it with the shrimp in Step 3, cooking for only 2 minutes to heat through. You can also use frozen cooked shrimp – just thaw them first and add them in the last minute of cooking. This cuts your cooking time down to about 15 minutes total!

Serving Ideas

This creamy pasta is pretty much a complete meal all by itself! If you want to add a side, try a simple green salad with Italian dressing or some garlic bread for extra indulgence. Steamed broccoli or green beans also pair beautifully and add some extra color to your plate.

Storage

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered container. To reheat, add a splash of milk or half-and-half and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating – it’ll taste just as good as the first day!

Substitutions

No shrimp? Double the chicken instead! You can swap the half-and-half for heavy cream if you want it richer, or use milk for lighter version. Regular pasta works great if you don’t have whole wheat on hand. Green onions can replace scallions, and dried parsley works if fresh isn’t available – just use 1 tablespoon instead.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook super fast and get rubbery if overdone. They’re ready when they turn pink and curl up!
• Save that pasta water: The starch helps thicken the sauce and makes everything creamy and smooth.
• Keep it moving: Stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking or separating.
• Warm your bowls: Run them under hot water and dry before serving – it keeps the pasta warmer longer!
• Fresh Parmesan is best: Grate it yourself if possible – it melts so much better than the pre-grated stuff.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is really best served fresh, but you can prep all your ingredients ahead of time! Cut the chicken, prep the shrimp, chop your garlic and scallions, and measure everything out. Then it comes together super quickly when you’re ready to cook.

What if my sauce seems too thick?

No worries! Just add a little more of that reserved pasta water or some extra half-and-half, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s the consistency you like. The sauce should coat the pasta nicely but not be gloppy.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

You bet! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp often have more water, so drying them helps prevent a watery sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Sure! You can substitute the half-and-half with canned coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. It’ll taste a little different but still delicious!

I hope your family loves this Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo as much as mine does! It’s become our go-to dinner when we want something special without all the fuss. Let me know how it turns out for you – I love hearing about your cooking adventures!