Dinner

Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne

Name: Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

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This Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne is a weeknight star: rich, smooth sauce coats tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and al dente penne. The garlic and Parmesan add a savory depth. It smells buttery and cheesy, feels velvety on the tongue, and looks glossy with bright parsley on top. It comes together fast and makes a comforting, restaurant-style dinner at home. If you enjoy cozy comfort foods, try this Comforting Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup for another easy meal idea.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories per serving: 800 kcal
Protein: 67 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fat: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne

This dish blends two favorite proteins into one creamy pasta. It cooks quickly and needs only a few pantry ingredients. The sauce is silky from heavy cream and Parmesan, while garlic and parsley brighten the whole plate. It’s great for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or when you want something comforting without fuss. The textures — chewy penne, tender chicken, and snappy shrimp — make every bite satisfying.

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne

The method is simple: boil pasta, sauté chicken, add shrimp and garlic, then fold in cream and Parmesan to make a sauce. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce so every piece is well coated. Finish with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Work on medium heat and stir the sauce gently so it stays smooth and glossy.

Ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, diced
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside. Pat the diced chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are thawed if frozen, then pat them dry. Mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan if not pre-grated.

Step 2: Sautéing the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes depending on size. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the shrimp and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the shrimp turn pink and curl and the garlic is fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the shrimp.

Step 4: Finishing the Sauce and Tossing Pasta

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne

Serve immediately for the best texture. Plate on warm dishes to keep the sauce glossy. Pair with a crisp green salad and a squeeze of lemon on the side to cut the richness. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable (broccoli or asparagus) complements the dish well. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions over a bed of steamed spinach.

How to Store Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne

Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended because cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated. If necessary, freeze in a tight container for up to 1 month; expect some texture change.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring until smooth. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne

Dry the proteins well before cooking so they sear instead of steaming.
Cook pasta just shy of al dente if you’ll reheat later; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt; pre-grated can be grainy.
Keep heat low when adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling.
If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of pasta water or milk to thin it.
Taste before adding salt — Parmesan adds a lot of saltiness.
Use medium-sized shrimp so they cook quickly and stay tender.

Delicious Variations

Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and flavor.
Lighter Version: Swap half-and-half for heavy cream and use less Parmesan. Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber.
Cajun Kick: Season the chicken and shrimp with Cajun spice before cooking for a smoky heat.
Lemon Garlic: Add 1–2 teaspoons lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
One-Pot Option: Cook pasta in the skillet with extra liquid and add proteins later to reduce dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook very fast. They are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so remove them from heat as soon as they lose translucence.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end to warm through for 1–2 minutes. Avoid prolonged heating to prevent rubbery texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free cream substitute (coconut cream or a commercial non-dairy creamer) and a vegan Parmesan. Flavor will shift slightly; add extra garlic and lemon to brighten the dish.

How can I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

To thin: stir in pasta water, milk, or a little broth a tablespoon at a time. To thicken: simmer gently to reduce, or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and cook until it thickens.

Is it safe to mix chicken and shrimp?

Yes. Both cook quickly and can be cooked in the same pan. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Shrimp will be cooked through when pink and opaque.

Can I prep parts of this ahead?

Yes. Dice chicken, grate cheese, and measure ingredients a day ahead. Cooked pasta and proteins store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in sauce.

What pasta works best?

Penne holds sauce well thanks to its ridges and hollow shape. Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are good substitutes.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo Penne is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal you can make in about 30 minutes. It balances rich, velvety sauce with tender chicken and shrimp for a satisfying plate that looks and tastes like a treat. For another flavorful version and inspiration, check out The Best Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe. Give this one a try—it’s sure to become a fast favorite.