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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine noodles to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- 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
