Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, spicy pasta dish combining tender chicken breast pieces with a rich Alfredo sauce flavored with Cajun spices. Made all in one pot, it’s perfect for a flavorful and comforting weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Base and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic releases its aroma without burning.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, pressing it gently so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer pasta and sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and unsalted butter until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve the Cajun chicken Alfredo hot, directly from the pot for easy dining.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the Cajun seasoning.
- You can substitute shrimp or sausage in place of chicken for a different protein option.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of extra chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
