Epic Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken seared to perfection, tossed with creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and pasta. This dish combines the best of Cajun spices with the comfort of Italian-style Alfredo, creating a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (or 3 small), halved lengthwise into cutlets
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce
300 g (10 oz) fettuccine or penne pasta
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
1 cup baby spinach or kale
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
Red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
For Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Rub chicken cutlets with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 75°C / 165°F).
Remove, rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 3: Make Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, heat olive oil.
Add garlic, saute 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan, whisk until smooth and creamy.
Season with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if using.
Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Top with sliced Cajun chicken.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
Notes & Tips
For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in your Cajun mix.
Grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest sauce (pre-shredded may clump).
If reheating, add a splash of milk/cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it lighter?
Yes — use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and less cheese.
Q: Can I swap the protein?
Shrimp, salmon, or even grilled veggies work great with Cajun Alfredo.
Q: How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
It varies by brand — reduce or add more depending on your spice preference.
Nutritional information
Calories: ~640
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: ~720mg