Okay, let me tell you about this Cajun Chicken Alfredo! It’s seriously one of my go-to weeknight dinners. Picture your favorite creamy, dreamy Alfredo, but then BAM! You get this incredible kick of Cajun spice that just elevates the whole dish. It’s like mac and cheese all grown up, you know? Forget plain old chicken Alfredo – once you try this Cajun-spiced version, there’s no going back. My family begs for it! It’s so flavorful, comforting, and honestly, surprisingly easy to whip up. It really does satisfy all cravings.
What is Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
So, what exactly *is* Cajun Chicken Alfredo? Well, think of it as a beautiful marriage between Italian comfort food and the bold, spicy flavors of Louisiana. It’s essentially a creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken breast seasoned with Cajun spices. The beauty is that the creamy sauce mellows out the heat, creating a perfectly balanced and utterly addictive dish. It’s essentially your regular alfredo with a fun, delicious, fiery attitude! Plus, it is really easy to put together.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh my goodness, where do I even start?! What I love most about this Cajun Chicken Alfredo is the flavor explosion. The creaminess of the Alfredo is just so comforting, and then you get that warm, smoky heat from the Cajun spices. It’s a match made in heaven! And honestly, this recipe is way easier than you think. It comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I always have the ingredients on hand, so it’s a real go-to. Plus, it’s a pretty budget-friendly meal, especially if you buy chicken in bulk. You can switch it up, too! Sometimes I add shrimp or sausage to the mix for a little extra something. This one just really brings it all together!
How do I make Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
Quick Overview
Making Cajun Chicken Alfredo is surprisingly straightforward. We start by cooking the chicken and seasoning it generously with Cajun spices. While the chicken cooks, we whip up a super creamy Alfredo sauce. Then, we toss everything together with perfectly cooked pasta and – voila! – dinner is served. Seriously, it’s that easy! It doesn’t take too long to prep so you’re done in no time.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Try to get chicken that is high quality, it does affect the taste!
* 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (I love Tony Chachere’s, but use your favorite!) You can find this in the spice aisle of almost any grocery store.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil. Feel free to use avocado oil or any neutral oil if you prefer.
* Salt and pepper to taste. I always use freshly cracked Black Pepper for the best flavor.
What is the Alfredo sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter. Unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness of the final dish.
* 4 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced is key for that authentic garlic flavor.
* 2 cups heavy cream. Don’t skimp on the fat! This is what makes the sauce so rich and creamy.
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as well.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if you like!
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
For the Pasta:
* 1 lb fettuccine pasta. I usually use fettuccine but you can use your favourite pasta like penne or linguine. * Salt for pasta water * Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Do not overheat. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining – you might need it to adjust the sauce. What is consistency later? Is it important to salt the water for pasta?
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. You can even do this step ahead of time!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. Set the cooked chicken aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. How do you cook garlic? When the kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
What is heavy cream? Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. What is the most satisfying part of this movie?
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken to the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired desired consistency. I like my sauce nice and creamy, so I usually add a little bit of pasta water.
Step 7: Toss with Pasta
Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Make sure all the pasta is coated evenly. This is when you know dinner is almost ready!
Step 8: Serve
What are some good ways to serve fresh parsley on a plate? What are some of the best comfort food recipes?Cajun Chicken Alfredo: What isWhat is the best way to serve parsley in a dish?
What is the best way to serve it?
This Cajun Chicken Alfredo: What isWhat are some good ideas for a complete meal?
For a Simple Side:What are some good salads to serve with a light vinaigrette? The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of Alfredo.
What is a hearty meal?What are some good Garlic Breadsticks for soaking up all that delicious sauce? My kids love this combo!
For a Veggie Boost:Steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a nice pop of color and some extra nutrients. What are some ways to roast vegetables for a more flavorful side?
What is a good way to spice it up?Add some chopped fresh jalapenos to the mix. What is the best way to serve alfredo sauce with chicken?
I like to serve this with a bottle of chilled Pinot Grigio. What are some good pairings? What is the best way to serve a dish?
How do I make Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making this.Cajun Chicken Alfredo: What isWhat are some tips for a successful business?
Don’t overcook a chicken. Don Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to be sure! A trick I learned from my mum.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and has a much better flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spice, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat!
Don’t Forget the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta. Don’t skip this step! You will regret it if you do.
Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add some veggies to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would all be delicious.
Spice things up : Instead of olive oil use the oil from a jar of sun dried tomatoes. It adds a wonderful flavor to the dish and makes it more fragrant.
Make it Ahead: The chicken and sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat and toss with the cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve. It can also be made for a party or dinner as meal prep!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Cajun Chicken Alfredo like a pro!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled down first. You will regret not storing it properly and ruining it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Alfredo Chicken (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I would recommend using another freezer container so it doesn’t spill.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, add the Alfredo Chicken to a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, if needed. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best results. This is one of my favourite reheats from anything.
Don’t Overheat: Be careful not to overheat the Alfredo, or it may separate. Heat it gently and slowly until it’s warmed through. When it’s a meal for two on a romantic night, it is just perfect!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my all-time favorite Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe! It’s a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. I really recommend it! If you’re looking for more delicious and easy pasta dishes, be sure to check out my other recipes. Happy cooking, and can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you added any other ingredients. Be sure to rate the recipe and share it with your friends, too!
Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook in the skillet until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
