The Ultimate Guide to Making Mouth-Watering Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

Have you ever been torn between ordering chicken alfredo or shrimp alfredo at a restaurant? Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to choose! Making chicken and shrimp alfredo at home is not only possible but surprisingly easy. This comfort food extraordinaire combines the best of both worlds – tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich, creamy alfredo sauce that’ll have your family begging for seconds.

As someone who’s made this dish countless times I can honestly say it’s one of my most requested recipes when friends come over. The combination just works so perfectly together and the best part? You can whip it up in about 30 minutes in just one skillet! Talk about a weeknight dinner win!

What You’ll Need for Amazing Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all our ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother since this dish comes together quickly.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine is traditional, but penne works great too!)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2-4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup white wine (optional but adds amazing flavor)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Ground paprika (for seasoning the shrimp)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

One thing I’ve learned from making this dish repeatedly is that fresh ingredients really do make a difference especially when it comes to the Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt the same way!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Work

First things first, get your pasta cooking according to the package directions. While that’s boiling away, you can prep your proteins:

1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes
2. Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined
3. Season both with salt and pepper (add a little paprika to the shrimp for extra flavor)
4. Chop your onion and mince your garlic
5. Grate your Parmesan if you haven’t already

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add your seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet
3. Cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes)
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside

My hubby always hovers around the kitchen at this point because the smell is absolutely amazing! Sometimes I have to swat his hand away as he tries to sneak pieces of the cooked chicken!

Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil
2. Add your seasoned shrimp in a single layer
3. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until pink and no longer translucent
4. Be careful not to overcook! Overcooked shrimp get rubbery and tough
5. Remove shrimp to a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm

Step 4: Making the Alfredo Sauce

This is where the magic happens! A good alfredo sauce is the heart and soul of this dish.

1. In the same skillet (yes, we’re keeping all those delicious flavors!), melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden and translucent
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute (garlic burns easily!)
4. If using wine, pour it in now and let it reduce by half while scraping the bottom of the pan to get all those flavorful bits
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes
6. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth
7. Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste

Step 5: Putting It All Together

1. Add your drained pasta to the sauce (or if your skillet isn’t big enough, add the sauce to the pasta pot)
2. Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet
3. Gently toss everything together until all the pasta is coated in that luxurious sauce and the proteins are distributed throughout
4. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out
5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately

The moment when everything comes together is just magical! The creamy sauce coating every strand of pasta, with bits of savory chicken and tender shrimp throughout… my mouth is watering just writing about it!

Tips for the Best Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a big difference:

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce
• Season each component – Season the chicken, the shrimp, AND the sauce separately
• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly
• Save some pasta water – Before draining your pasta, save about a cup of the starchy cooking water. It’s perfect for thinning out the sauce if needed
• Cook the proteins separately – This ensures each is cooked perfectly (chicken needs longer than shrimp)
• Let the sauce thicken naturally – Don’t rush it! A good alfredo sauce needs a few minutes to come together

Common Questions About Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s definitely best fresh, you can make chicken and shrimp alfredo ahead of time. The sauce tends to thicken considerably when cooled, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to the right consistency.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just know that seafood dishes generally don’t keep as long as other foods.

Can I freeze chicken and shrimp alfredo?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish. Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed, and the texture of both the shrimp and pasta can become unpleasant.

What can I serve with chicken and shrimp alfredo?

This rich dish pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or cheese bread for sopping up that amazing sauce
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus on the side

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. Pre-cooked shrimp can easily become overcooked and rubbery when heated again. If you must use pre-cooked shrimp, add them right at the end just to warm through.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:

Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

Add some cajun seasoning to both the chicken and shrimp before cooking for a spicy kick! This transforms it into a delicious blackened chicken and shrimp alfredo with minimal effort.

Veggie-Packed Version

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to incorporate some vegetables into this indulgent dish.

Lighter Version

Substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream, or try using milk mixed with a little cornstarch to thicken. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’s still delicious!

Garlic Lover’s Delight

Double the garlic for an extra punch of flavor that pairs beautifully with both the chicken and shrimp.

Why This Recipe Works

I’ve tried many versions of chicken and shrimp alfredo over the years, and I’ve found that this particular method yields the best results every time. Here’s why:

1. One-skillet method – Cooking everything in the same pan builds layers of flavor
2. Separate cooking times for proteins – Ensures nothing is overcooked
3. The wine deglazing step – This optional step adds incredible depth to the sauce
4. Simplicity of ingredients – Letting the main stars (chicken, shrimp, and parmesan) shine

My hubby eats this pasta “with such a happy face as if he won a lottery” (as one of my friends commented), and honestly, that’s the best review any home cook could ask for!

Final Thoughts

Chicken and shrimp alfredo might seem like a restaurant-only indulgence, but I promise it’s totally doable at home. There’s something so satisfying about creating this comforting, creamy pasta dish from scratch. It’s impressive enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

The combination of tender chicken pieces and succulent shrimp in that velvety parmesan cream sauce is simply irresistible. And while it’s definitely an indulgent dish, it’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with excitement.

So next time you’re craving some serious comfort food, don’t choose between chicken alfredo or shrimp alfredo – make this amazing chicken AND shrimp alfredo instead! Your family will thank you, and you might just become known for your legendary pasta skills!

I’d love to hear how your chicken and shrimp alfredo turns out if you try this recipe. Drop a comment below with your results or any questions you might have!