If you want a simple yet flavorful meal on the table fast, you’ll absolutely love this Cajun Chicken Alfredo. With bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce tangled with pasta, it’s a surefire way to please everyone after a busy day. This comforting dish combines the rich goodness of Alfredo with the zesty kick of Cajun seasoning, providing both warmth and excitement straight from your kitchen skillet.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest; nothing shouts weeknight comfort more than a fuss-free pasta dish. What makes Cajun Chicken Alfredo so impressive is not just its flavor, but how effortlessly you can bring it all together. Within just thirty minutes, you’ll go from chopping board to tabletop with something the whole family looks forward to—every bite creamy, buttery, and beautifully spiced. Additionally, this recipe allows you to customize the spice level and add veggies or protein based on what’s in your fridge. Now, if you’re looking for a dinner hero, this is it!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Cajun Chicken Alfredo: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
First, coat both sides of your chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. While the chicken absorbs those bold flavors, heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. When the surface is deeply golden and the inside reaches 165°F, transfer the chicken to a plate. Let it rest while you move to the next step.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the chicken sizzles, boil salted water in a large pot. Drop the pasta in and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Without wiping out the skillet, melt the butter right into any leftover oil. Toss in minced garlic, onions, and bell peppers, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant. All those leftover Cajun spices in the pan will flavor the veggies beautifully.
4. Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Now, pour the heavy cream into the same skillet. Reduce the heat to low and, while stirring gently, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens and develops a satiny texture. Taste for seasoning, and add salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if you’d like to intensify the flavors.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, fold the drained pasta into the skillet. Use tongs or two large forks to toss the noodles until each strand is thoroughly coated in that luscious Alfredo sauce.
6. Slice and Serve the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Arrange them over the creamy pasta and spoon a little extra sauce on top, if desired. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley for a finishing touch. Serve your Weeknight Cajun Chicken Alfredo hot—and watch it disappear fast!
Expert Tips
- Always let your cooked chicken rest before slicing, so the juices redistribute and the meat stays moist.
- Grate your own Parmesan if you can—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, and fresh really does make a difference.
- If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to bring it back to creamy perfection.
- Prefer more veggies? Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes right alongside the onions and peppers.
Recipe Variations
Because Cajun Chicken Alfredo is so adaptable, you can really make it your own each and every time. How about using shrimp instead of chicken, or even pairing them together for a surf-and-turf twist? You could also switch up the pasta—penne, linguine, or farfalle all work splendidly. Prefer a lighter version? Try half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or toss in extra veggies and use whole-wheat pasta for more fiber.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and chicken together in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to regain that luscious sauciness. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and use medium power to avoid separating the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty main deserves a few delicious sides. Consider a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, garlicky toasted bread, or roasted vegetables to round out your plate. And if you really want to lean into the Southern vibe, pair it with a simple corn salad or a wedge of homemade cornbread. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning and fresh herbs!
Description
If you want a simple yet flavorful meal on the table fast, you’ll absolutely love this Cajun Chicken Alfredo. With bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce tangled with pasta, it’s a surefire way to please everyone after a busy day. This comforting dish combines the rich goodness of Alfredo with the zesty kick of Cajun seasoning, providing both warmth and excitement straight from your kitchen skillet.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Season and Sear the Chicken
First, coat both sides of your chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. While the chicken absorbs those bold flavors, heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. When the surface is deeply golden and the inside reaches 165°F, transfer the chicken to a plate. Let it rest while you move to the next step.
-
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken sizzles, boil salted water in a large pot. Drop the pasta in and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
-
Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Without wiping out the skillet, melt the butter right into any leftover oil. Toss in minced garlic, onions, and bell peppers, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant. All those leftover Cajun spices in the pan will flavor the veggies beautifully.
-
Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Now, pour the heavy cream into the same skillet. Reduce the heat to low and, while stirring gently, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens and develops a satiny texture. Taste for seasoning, and add salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if you’d like to intensify the flavors.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, fold the drained pasta into the skillet. Use tongs or two large forks to toss the noodles until each strand is thoroughly coated in that luscious Alfredo sauce.
-
Slice and Serve the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Arrange them over the creamy pasta and spoon a little extra sauce on top, if desired. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley for a finishing touch. Serve your Weeknight Cajun Chicken Alfredo hot—and watch it disappear fast!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 650kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 37g57%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Cholesterol 140mg47%
- Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 32g64%
- Vitamin A 1750 IU
- Calcium 240 mg
- Iron 2.8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo stores best if the chicken and sauce are kept separate; this keeps everything tasting fresh.
- Double the Cajun seasoning for a completely fiery kick, or scale back for milder palates.
- Not a fan of dairy? Use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan for an entirely different take on this classic.
