Cajun Chicken Alfredo
A flavor-packed twist on the classic Alfredo, featuring smoky Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the pasta and sauce
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for best results
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken strips in a bowl and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Alfredo sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until heated through.
- Divide the Cajun Chicken Alfredo among plates, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the heat level by modifying the Cajun seasoning and add cayenne for more spice. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.