Cajun Chicken Alfredo
A creamy, zesty Cajun Chicken Alfredo dish featuring perfectly seasoned chicken and velvety pasta, great for dinner parties or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1 pound total
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust amount for desired spiciness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or your pasta of choice
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For the creamy sauce
- to taste salt and black pepper Season to taste
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the fettuccine, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Sautéing the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken cutlets for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
Preparing the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter; add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add the heavy cream and simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper.
Combining Ingredients
- Toss the cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
- Add sliced Cajun chicken and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice if desired.
Serving
- Plate the Cajun Chicken Alfredo and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Saving reserved pasta water is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency. This dish can be customized with additional vegetables or protein options if desired.