Description
This Weeknight Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is creamy, bold, and packed with flavor—yet easy enough for a busy night. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken is paired with tender pasta and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce that comes together fast. It’s comforting, customizable, and tastes even better than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Optional: spinach, broccoli, or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season to taste.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan and serve warm.
Notes
Keep the heat low when making the Alfredo sauce to prevent separation. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with reserved pasta water. Adjust Cajun seasoning based on spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg