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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Craft a potent Cajun spice blend by thoroughly mixing all seasonings in a compact mixing vessel, then reserve for later use.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sear chicken pieces until golden-brown exterior develops and interior reaches complete doneness. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
- Utilize the identical skillet to sauté diced onions and sliced bell peppers, transforming them into translucent, softened components.
- Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast until aromatic. Incorporate remaining Cajun seasoning, allowing spices to bloom and release intense flavors.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, encouraging a gentle simmer. Allow liquid to reduce and slightly thicken through consistent heating.
- Reunite cooked chicken and penne within the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious, cohesive mixture.
- 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