Maximum restaurants make their gumbo using sausage, but if you are like me who doesn’t love sausage but still want to enjoy gumbo, then the Cheesecake Factory copycat version of shrimp and chicken gumbo is perfect for you. This unique dish stands out because, unlike most restaurants that serve rice over their gumbo, the Cheesecake Factory uses pasta, making it a delightful twist on a classic recipe.
If you’ve ever tasted this dish at the Cheesecake Factory or are eager to explore different gumbo flavors, you must try this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe at home!
What is the Secret to Good Gumbo?
The secret to a good gumbo lies in its rich, flavorful base and the right blend of spices. A well-balanced Cajun spice mix and the perfect combination of chicken, shrimp, and vegetables create a delicious, hearty dish. Slow simmering the sauce helps to deepen the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients List
Cajun Spice Blend:
- 2.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1.5 tsp Crushed Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
Gumbo:
- 4 oz Olive oil
- 6-8 oz Chicken Breast, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 6 oz Shrimp, shelled and cleaned
- 2.5 Tbs Cajun Spice Blend (plus more for garnish)
- 8 oz Assorted Bell Peppers, chopped
- 4 oz Red Onions, chopped
- 4 oz Canned & diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 5 oz Chicken Stock
- 5 oz Seafood Stock
- 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 12 oz Linguine Pasta
- Flat-leaf parsley, chopped (about 3 tsp for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large pan or skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Spoon for stirring
How To make Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo
Step 1 | Prepare the Cajun Spice Blend
Before you start, combine all the spices listed for the Cajun spice blend in a bowl. Store any leftovers in a dry container for future use.
Step 2 | Prep Your Ingredients
Clean and slice the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Also clean the shrimp.
Step 3 | Season the Chicken and Shrimp
Dry rub the chicken and shrimp with the Cajun spice blend. This will infuse them with incredible flavor.
Step 4 | Cook the Chicken
Heat your pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken slices. Cook for about 1 minute on each side until they start to brown.
Step 5 | Add Garlic and Shrimp
When the chicken is halfway cooked, add the minced garlic. Stir for a few seconds to avoid burning the garlic, then add the shrimp. Add 1 tsp salt to the shrimp and chicken and stir it a couple times to avoid burning. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and curl up, indicating they are done. Remove the shrimp and chicken from the pan, leaving as much oil behind as possible.
Step 6 | Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the chopped red onions and bell peppers. Stir well and sprinkle with two spoons of the Cajun spice blend. Cook until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 7 | Cook the Pasta
While the vegetables are cooking, boil your linguine pasta in salted water according to the package instructions.
Step 8 | Make the Sauce
Once the vegetables have softened, add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes. Pour in the chicken and seafood stock. Let it simmer on medium heat without covering, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken, which takes about 7-8 minutes.
Step 9 | Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the pan. Stir and let it simmer for another minute to meld all the flavors together.
Step 10 | Garnish and Serve
Finely chop the flat-leaf parsley. Serve the hot pasta on plates and generously top with the gumbo sauce. Garnish with extra shrimp, parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun spice blend for that Cheesecake Factory flair.
Tips and Tricks
- Spice Storage: Store any leftover Cajun spice blend in an airtight container for future use.
- Cooking Garlic: Add garlic when the chicken is half-cooked to prevent it from burning.
- Shrimp Doneness: Shrimp is done when it turns pink and curls up.
- Sauce Reduction: Simmer the sauce uncovered to let it thicken properly.
Recipe Variation
There are many ways you can customize this recipe:
- Seafood Variations: Feel free to add other seafood like crab or scallops.
- Vegetable Additions: Add okra or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Different Pasta: While linguine works great, you can also use fettuccine or even rice if you prefer traditional gumbo.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious shrimp and chicken gumbo pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm French bread or cornbread on the side.
- Salad: A light green salad can balance out this hearty dish.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled white wine complements this flavorful dish beautifully.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store your gumbo:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.
Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure they are thawed before cooking.
2. What if I don’t have Cajun spices?
You can make your own blend using common spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, etc.
3. How do I make my gumbo thicker?
Allow it to simmer longer without a lid or add a roux (flour mixed with fat).
4. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with sausage or other proteins.
5. Is this dish spicy?
It can be adjusted based on how much cayenne pepper you use; feel free to reduce it if needed.
6. What type of stock should I use?
Chicken stock enhances flavor; seafood stock adds depth but feel free to use vegetable stock too!
7. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate all ingredients.
Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe
Enjoy this Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe at home. Delicious, easy-to-make, and perfect for those who love pasta-based gumbo.
Ingredients
Cajun Spice Blend:
- 2.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1.5 tsp Crushed Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
Gumbo:
- 4 oz Olive oil
- 6-8 oz Chicken Breast, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 6 oz Shrimp, shelled and cleaned
- 2.5 Tbs Cajun Spice Blend (plus more for garnish)
- 8 oz Assorted Bell Peppers, chopped
- 4 oz Red Onions, chopped
- 4 oz Canned & diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 5 oz Chicken Stock
- 5 oz Seafood Stock
- 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 12 oz Linguine Pasta
- Flat-leaf parsley, chopped (about 3 tsp for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1 | Prepare the Cajun Spice Blend
Before you start, combine all the spices listed for the Cajun spice blend in a bowl. Store any leftovers in a dry container for future use.
Step 2 | Prep Your Ingredients
Clean and slice the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Also clean the shrimp.
Step 3 | Season the Chicken and Shrimp
Dry rub the chicken and shrimp with the Cajun spice blend. This will infuse them with incredible flavor.
Step 4 | Cook the Chicken
Heat your pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken slices. Cook for about 1 minute on each side until they start to brown.
Step 5 | Add Garlic and Shrimp
When the chicken is halfway cooked, add the minced garlic. Stir for a few seconds to avoid burning the garlic, then add the shrimp. Add 1 tsp salt to the shrimp and chicken and stir it a couple times to avoid burning. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and curl up, indicating they are done. Remove the shrimp and chicken from the pan, leaving as much oil behind as possible.
Step 6 | Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the chopped red onions and bell peppers. Stir well and sprinkle with two spoons of the Cajun spice blend. Cook until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 7 | Cook the Pasta
While the vegetables are cooking, boil your linguine pasta in salted water according to the package instructions.
Step 8 | Make the Sauce
Once the vegetables have softened, add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for a couple of minutes. Pour in the chicken and seafood stock. Let it simmer on medium heat without covering, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken, which takes about 7-8 minutes.
Step 9 | Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the pan. Stir and let it simmer for another minute to meld all the flavors together.
Step 10 | Garnish and Serve
Finely chop the flat-leaf parsley. Serve the hot pasta on plates and generously top with the gumbo sauce. Garnish with extra shrimp, parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun spice blend for that Cheesecake Factory flair.
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe that you can easily make at home. This dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy gumbo without sausage and love the unique twist of pasta instead of rice. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
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