Print

Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo pasta with seared chicken and glossy sauce.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This dish combines the velvety comfort of homemade Alfredo sauce with a smoky, spicy kick from Cajun seasoning. It’s a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that feels both indulgent and completely doable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken pieces thoroughly with the Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and the Cajun chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently until the pasta is coated and the chicken is reheated.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For homemade Cajun seasoning, mix 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp each garlic powder and onion powder, and 1/2 tsp each dried oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce. Do not add the cheese to a boiling sauce or it may become grainy.

Nutrition