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Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Alfredo pasta with a bold Cajun-spiced chicken that delivers a perfect balance of rich, creamy indulgence and smoky, spicy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or cubed)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 12 ounces fettuccine pasta, cooked al dente
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (10–12 minutes). Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Pat dry chicken breasts and slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt, coating evenly.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 1 ½ cups heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring frequently.
  6. Gradually whisk in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Season with salt and pepper. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Return cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Add cooked fettuccine and gently toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Cook together for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and smooth sauce. Cook chicken fully before adding to sauce to avoid dryness. Medium heat prevents curdling of cream and cheese. Variations include swapping chicken for vegetables or using gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, spicy pasta, comfort food, fettuccine, easy recipe