Sizzling Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Spicy Comfort On A Plate

Spicy cajun chicken alfredo reimagines ordinary pasta into a fiery culinary adventure that electrifies dinner tables.

Robust seasonings dance across tender protein, creating a mouthwatering fusion of creamy comfort and bold Southern flavors.

Rich, velvety sauce coats perfectly cooked noodles with an irresistible warmth that tingles taste buds.

Authentic cajun spices elevate this classic dish beyond traditional Italian recipes, infusing each bite with complex, layered sensations.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that balances heat and creaminess with remarkable precision.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe that impresses dinner guests and family alike.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a delicious journey that celebrates bold, unapologetic flavor.

Great Sides to Serve Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Complement the spicy Cajun flavors with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the creamy sauce and balance the heat perfectly.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will contrast beautifully with the rich, creamy Alfredo pasta.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a quick garlic bread to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce. The crunchy texture and garlicky flavor will enhance the overall dining experience and add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Slaw: Whip up a quick cucumber and red onion slaw with a light dressing. Its cool, crisp nature will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo.

Big Flavor in Every Bite Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken alfredo into a zesty, flavor-packed dish that wakes up your taste buds with bold, smoky heat.
• Quick and Comforting Weeknight Win: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Creamy Texture Meets Vibrant Crunch: The silky Alfredo sauce coats tender chicken and pasta, while bell peppers add a delightful crisp texture that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor combine in this streamlined recipe that uses the same pan for cooking chicken, vegetables, and creating the rich, creamy sauce, saving time and reducing dish washing.

What You’ll Need Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic Cajun spice mix with a perfect balance of heat and flavor, essential for authentic Cajun taste.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs Cajun seasoning well, best when thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly, cooks quickly and provides good texture.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy base for Alfredo sauce, adds luxurious texture and deep cheese flavor.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide depth, sweetness, and aromatic base for the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Combination provides rich flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and light herbal note to finish the dish.

How to Make It Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Craft Zesty Seasoning

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Set the spicy mix aside for later magic.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and generously salt it. Drop in penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and let it rest.

Step 3: Sear Chicken With Flavor

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over thinly sliced chicken breasts. Sizzle the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.

Step 4: Saute Veggie Companions

In the same skillet, toss in diced onions and sliced bell peppers. Cook until they become soft and slightly translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aromatic essence.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble and thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Combine Flavor Layers

Add the cooked chicken and pasta into the creamy sauce. Gently toss to ensure every piece is coated with the luxurious sauce. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for those who love extra richness.

Tips to Get It Right Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• Spice Selection: Choose a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend or create your own for maximum flavor depth and personalized heat level.
• Chicken Cutting Technique: Slice chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent seasoning distribution throughout the dish.
• Cream Consistency Control: Simmer the cream slowly and watch carefully to prevent scorching, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth, velvety sauce texture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove skillet from heat when adding Parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating, creating a silky smooth finish.
• Pasta Timing Mastery: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce in the skillet, preventing potential mushiness and maintaining perfect texture.

Store and Reheat Like a Pro Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Cajun Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking. Microwave as an alternative, covering the dish and heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Fun Ways to Remix Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• Seafood Spice Fusion: Replace chicken with shrimp or a mix of seafood, keeping the Cajun seasoning for a zesty marine-inspired pasta dish that brings coastal flavors to your plate.
• Vegetarian Green Delight: Swap chicken with grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, and mushrooms, maintaining the creamy Alfredo base and Cajun spices for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Smoky Southwest Style: Add crispy bacon bits, swap bell peppers for poblano peppers, and include a dash of smoked paprika to create a robust, southwestern-inspired version of the classic Cajun Chicken Alfredo.
• Gluten-Free Herb Adventure: Use gluten-free penne pasta, add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary, and incorporate nutritional yeast for a creamy texture that caters to gluten-sensitive food lovers.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo delivers a spicy Southern twist on classic Italian pasta. Juicy chicken, zesty Cajun seasoning, and rich parmesan sauce create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup or 120 g)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup or 240 g)
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup or 240 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Dairy:

• 10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy (double) cream
• ½ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a potent Cajun spice blend by thoroughly mixing all seasonings in a compact mixing vessel, then reserve for later use.
2. Activate a capacious water-filled pot, introduce a generous pinch of salt, and immerse penne pasta, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight resistance at its core. Carefully drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Warm a combination of olive oil and butter within a substantial skillet over moderate-high thermal intensity. Lavishly coat chicken strips with 1½ teaspoons of prepared Cajun seasoning.
4. Sear chicken pieces until golden-brown exterior develops and interior reaches complete doneness. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
5. Utilize the identical skillet to sauté diced onions and sliced bell peppers, transforming them into translucent, softened components.
6. Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast until aromatic. Incorporate remaining Cajun seasoning, allowing spices to bloom and release intense flavors.
7. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, encouraging a gentle simmer. Allow liquid to reduce and slightly thicken through consistent heating.
8. Reunite cooked chicken and penne within the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious, cohesive mixture.
9. Plate the decadent pasta, garnishing with finely chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Spice it Up: Homemade Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed dish with a perfect balance of heat and depth.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook penne al dente to ensure a satisfying texture that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Chicken Technique: Slice chicken thinly and season generously for quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using the same skillet builds layers of flavor, allowing each ingredient to contribute to the final taste profile.
• Cream Magic: Simmer the heavy cream slowly to create a luscious, velvety Alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to pasta and chicken.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for a bright, aromatic garnish that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg