Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Description:
This bold and creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo fuses the rich, velvety texture of classic Alfredo sauce with the fiery kick of Cajun spices. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breast is seasoned generously and served over fettuccine pasta, tossed in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce infused with Cajun seasoning. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for spice lovers.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Cajun Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half to make 4 cutlets)
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or linguine
Salt (for pasta water)
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Extra Parmesan
Red pepper flakes (for added heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Remove from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil water with salt.
Cook fettuccine until al dente (about 9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if desired.
4. Combine & Serve:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce; toss to coat evenly.
Plate pasta, top with sliced Cajun chicken.
Garnish with parsley, extra cheese, or red pepper flakes.
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – 1/4 of Recipe)
Estimated based on typical ingredients
Calories: ~750
Protein: 45g
Fat: 45g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: ~900mg (depending on seasoning)
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Shrimp, sausage, or tofu work great. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: It has a medium heat level. Reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip red pepper flakes for milder flavor.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: The sauce can thicken upon standing. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Q: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
A: Yes, but homemade has fresher flavor. You can add Cajun spice to store-bought Alfredo for a shortcut.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is glu
t