Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic Alfredo pasta. Tender, spicy chicken breasts paired with a rich Parmesan sauce create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

A black cast iron skillet filled with creamy pasta and sliced grilled chicken arranged in a neat row on top. The pasta is a light beige color and looks smooth and saucy, spreading across the bottom layer of the skillet. The grilled chicken slices have a golden brown color with charred edges, showing a juicy texture inside. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the chicken and pasta for a pop of color. The skillet is placed on a dark wooden table with a white cloth, wooden spoon and fork beside it, some garlic cloves, grated cheese, and fresh green parsley leaves scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 medium chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Fettuccine pasta (amount as desired)
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic herb blend

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine all the seasonings — smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic herb blend — in a bowl. Season all sides of the chicken breasts evenly with this mixture.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts, flipping every 3 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 6–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water if desired.
  5. Step 5: Stir into the skillet 1 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon corn starch, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Add the cooked fettuccine noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
  7. Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and serve them on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth and cream.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor and smoother sauce.
  • Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added vegetables and texture.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level of the Cajun seasoning.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up of a black pan filled with creamy fettuccine pasta as the bottom layer, coated in a light beige sauce with small green herb pieces scattered throughout. On top, several slices of grilled chicken breast with browned and slightly charred edges form a neat row down the center. A woman's hand holds a fork lifting a bite of fettuccine wrapped around the tines along with a thick piece of grilled chicken, the chicken showing a seared golden-brown crust and tender inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with natural light softly illuminating the food, highlighting the creamy texture of the sauce and the juiciness of the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while fettuccine is traditional, this sauce works well with penne, linguine, or even spaghetti.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part to ensure there is no pink.

Print
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Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Alfredo featuring perfectly seasoned chicken breasts cooked to juicy perfection, tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with tender fettuccine pasta, and garnished with fresh parsley for a classic Italian-American meal with a spicy Cajun twist.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 3 medium chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic herb blend

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Pasta and Garnish

  • Fettuccine pasta (quantity as needed, approx. 8 oz)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic herb blend. Rub this seasoning mix evenly on all sides of the chicken breasts to fully coat them.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the seasoned chicken breasts in it. Cook the chicken, flipping every 3 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to release its aroma without burning.
  4. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine noodles for 6-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water if desired.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: To the skillet with garlic and butter, add 1 cup of chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir consistently to integrate and thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Cheese: Once the sauce begins to thicken, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine noodles to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
  8. Serve: Plate the pasta topped with the sliced Cajun chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant and fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan produces the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
  • Butter and garlic should be cooked gently to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Cajun Chicken Alfredo, creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, fettuccine Alfredo, easy dinner recipe, chicken pasta dish

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