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Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Cajun Chicken Alfredo

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Description

This Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe is a deliciously creamy and spicy pasta dish that combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices and a rich Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal to impress guests, this dish brings together creamy richness and a smoky kick in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta & Cooking

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Reserved pasta water (optional, as needed)

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and generously season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning will provide the signature bold flavor of the dish.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water in case it is needed to loosen the sauce. Set the pasta aside.
  3. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into strips.
  4. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently to combine.
  5. Incorporate cheese and combine: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
  6. Serve warm: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and rich.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount gradually to reach your preferred spice level.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: Cajun Chicken Alfredo, creamy Cajun pasta, spicy Alfredo sauce, Cajun chicken pasta, Southern-inspired Alfredo

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/cajun-chicken-alfredo/