Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a flavorful twist on the classic creamy pasta dish. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with smoky Cajun spices are served over fettuccine noodles in a rich and cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

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 garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Fettuccine pasta (enough for 4 servings)
• 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 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 spice mix.
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 (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine pasta in boiling salted water for 6 to 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: To the skillet with garlic and butter, add the chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), heavy cream, corn starch, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked fettuccine noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the Alfredo sauce.
7. Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and serve them on top of the coated pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an additional tablespoon of corn starch mixed with a little cold water before combining with the cream.
• Try swapping fettuccine for penne or linguine for slight variations in pasta texture and shape.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
• To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or reserved pasta cooking water, which helps to add flavor and thin the sauce if needed.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 50 reviews

This Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with a bold blend of Cajun spices, cooked to perfection in a skillet, and served over fettuccine tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley, this meal brings a flavorful twist to a classic comfort food that the whole family will enjoy.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 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
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Garnish

• Fettuccine pasta (enough for 3 servings, approx. 8 oz dry)
• 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 mixture evenly on all sides of the chicken breasts to coat thoroughly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook, flipping every 3 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 12-15 minutes total depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Sauté Garlic in Butter: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water if desired.
5. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: To the skillet with garlic butter, add 1 cup of chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), 1 cup heavy whipping cream, and 1 tablespoon corn starch. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken. Then stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine noodles into the skillet with the thickened Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on top of the plated pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• For best results, measure the internal temperature of chicken with an instant-read thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
• You can substitute chicken broth with pasta cooking water for a more delicate sauce flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
• This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

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