Craving delicious chicken and shrimp dishes for tonight’s dinner? Discover five easy and flavorful chicken and shrimp dishes you can prepare in no time. Perfect for any occasion!When it comes to quick and delicious meals, few combinations beat the duo of chicken and shrimp. These versatile proteins can be cooked together to create an endless variety of mouthwatering chicken and shrimp dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a rich, creamy comfort meal or something spicy and vibrant, chicken and shrimp dishes offer endless possibilities.
But what if you’re feeling a bit uninspired? Maybe it’s been a long day and you need a dinner idea that’s both satisfying and quick. Or maybe you want to impress your guests with something that feels gourmet but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 chicken and shrimp dishes you should try tonight. Each recipe is easy to follow, full of flavor, and ready in no time. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, these dishes will help you create a memorable meal.
Table of Contents
1. Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
There’s something irresistible about a creamy, comforting dish like chicken and shrimp Alfredo. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and juicy shrimp, this dish offers the perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress—whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party.
Why Try This Dish?
- Rich and Indulgent: The Alfredo sauce brings a creamy, savory richness that complements the chicken and shrimp perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Recipe Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 2, sliced |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb |
| Fettuccine pasta | 8 oz |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
How to Make It:
- Cook the Proteins: In a skillet, cook your chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Set it aside. Then, cook the shrimp in the same skillet, adding more oil if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the chicken and shrimp back in, and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped parsley.
2. Spicy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
If you enjoy bold flavors and a little heat, then spicy Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta is the dish for you. This recipe brings together the smoky, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning with the richness of shrimp and chicken for a dish that’s packed with personality.
Why Try This Dish?
- Bold and Flavorful: Cajun seasoning adds a perfect kick to the chicken and shrimp.
- Perfect for Spice Lovers: If you like a little heat, this dish can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
- Quick and Filling: It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want something hearty.
Recipe Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Chicken breasts | 2, sliced |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Penne pasta | 8 oz |
| Bell peppers (chopped) | 1, medium |
| Onion (chopped) | 1, medium |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
How to Make It:
- Cook the Chicken and Shrimp: Season your chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and cook in olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté the bell peppers and onions for 5 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and more Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for another 3 minutes.
- Combine: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, followed by the chicken and shrimp. Stir everything together until coated in the flavorful sauce.
3. Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry with Veggies
Looking for something a little lighter and healthier? A chicken and shrimp stir-fry is a quick and colorful dish filled with fresh vegetables and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something nutritious but still delicious.
Why Try This Dish?
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with colorful vegetables, this stir-fry is full of vitamins and minerals.
- Light and Fresh: It’s not as heavy as a pasta dish, but it’s still filling and satisfying.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: The stir-fry method ensures everything cooks quickly, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
Recipe Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Chicken breasts | 2, sliced |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb |
| Bell peppers | 2, sliced |
| Broccoli florets | 1 cup |
| Carrots (julienned) | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
How to Make It:
- Stir-Fry the Proteins: In a large skillet or wok, cook the chicken in a bit of oil until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Then, stir-fry the shrimp until pink.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, cooking for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the pan. Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and toss everything together. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
4. Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Skewers
When the weather’s nice, or when you’re just craving that smoky, grilled flavor, grilled chicken and shrimp skewers are an easy and delicious option. Marinated in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, these skewers are perfect for outdoor grilling or even a quick indoor broil.
Why Try This Dish?
- Perfect for Grilling: If you love grilled food, this is the dish for you.
- Customizable: The marinade can be adjusted to suit your tastes—add more herbs, or throw in some chili flakes for heat.
- Great for Gatherings: Skewers are easy to serve and great for outdoor dinners.
Recipe Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Chicken breasts | 2, cut into cubes |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb |
| Lemon (zested and juiced) | 1 |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh herbs (oregano, thyme) | 2 tbsp |
How to Make It:
- Marinate the Proteins: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Add the chicken and shrimp and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill: Thread the chicken and shrimp
onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. 3. Serve: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or over a bed of rice.
5. Chicken and Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw
For a fun and fresh dinner idea, chicken and shrimp tacos are always a hit. Paired with a zesty cilantro-lime slaw, these tacos are bursting with flavor and perfect for taco night.
Why Try This Dish?
- Fun and Interactive: Tacos are easy to assemble and fun for the whole family.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The cilantro-lime slaw adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the chicken and shrimp.
- Quick to Make: This recipe is perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner.
Recipe Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Chicken breasts | 2, sliced |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb |
| Corn or flour tortillas | 8 small |
| Cabbage (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Cilantro (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Lime (juiced) | 1 |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Taco seasoning | 1 tbsp |
How to Make It:
- Cook the Chicken and Shrimp: Season the chicken and shrimp with taco seasoning. Cook the chicken in a skillet for about 6-7 minutes, then cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Slaw: In a bowl, toss together the cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas, then layer the chicken and shrimp. Top with cilantro-lime slaw and a dollop of sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Shrimp Dishes
How do I cook chicken and shrimp together?
To cook chicken and shrimp together, start by cooking the chicken first, as it takes longer. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the shrimp and cook for a few minutes until it turns pink.
What is the best way to season chicken and shrimp for a flavorful dish?
A great mix of garlic, lemon, herbs like thyme and oregano, and seasonings such as paprika or Cajun seasoning enhances the flavor of both chicken and shrimp.
Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Many of these dishes can be prepped ahead of time. For example, marinate the chicken and shrimp or chop vegetables the night before. Cooking can be done quickly when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion: Bring These Dishes to Your Dinner Table Tonight
Whether you’re craving creamy comfort, spicy heat, or something light and fresh, these chicken and shrimp dishes are sure to satisfy. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy. So why wait? Try one of these chicken and shrimp dishes tonight and turn your dinner into something truly special.