Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Soul-Warming Comfort

Creamy pasta lovers rejoice as this spicy cajun chicken alfredo recipe brings a fiery twist to your dinner table.

Sizzling chicken marinated in bold cajun spices creates an irresistible flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Tender strips of seasoned chicken nestle into rich, velvety alfredo sauce, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that will make your taste buds sing.

The combination of zesty spices and silky sauce turns an ordinary weeknight meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this mouthwatering culinary creation that brings the spirit of louisiana right to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 30min

Total Time: 45min

Calories: 635 kcal

Servings: 5

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Grocery List

For Cajun Seasoning:
  • Paprika: Adds vibrant color and smoky warmth to the spice blend, choose fresh and bright red variety.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic flavor without moisture, select fine-ground for even distribution.
  • Onion Powder: Provides sweet and savory undertones, look for pure powder without additives.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Brings fiery heat, adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.
  • Dried Oregano: Contributes earthy herbaceous notes, crumble between fingers to release aromatics.
  • Dried Thyme: Offers subtle woodsy flavor, ensure leaves are fragrant and green.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning enhancers, select freshly ground black pepper.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs spices beautifully, choose fresh and evenly sized pieces.
  • Onion: Builds foundational flavor, select firm bulbs without soft spots.
  • Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and color, pick crisp peppers with vibrant skin.
  • Garlic: Provides intense aromatic punch, choose firm cloves without sprouts.
For Sauce and Pasta:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Creates rich cooking base, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious texture, select fresh dairy cream.
  • Penne Pasta: Holds sauce wonderfully, choose bronze-cut pasta for better sauce adherence.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity, freshly grate for best flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides bright finishing touch, select vivid green leaves.

Kitchen Essentials for Cajun Chicken Alfredo

  • Large skillet: Key for sautéing chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
  • Small bowl: Essential for mixing Cajun seasoning blend.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken, onions, and bell peppers.
  • Sharp knife: Critical for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Colander: Useful for draining cooked pasta.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure Cajun seasoning.
  • Cheese grater: Perfect for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Cajun Chicken Alfredo in Steps

Cajun Chicken Dream

  • Spice Magic

Create a flavor explosion by blending Cajun seasonings in a small bowl, crafting a bold, zesty mix that’ll wake up your taste buds.

  • Pasta Preparation

Boil water and cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender, capturing that classic al dente texture that makes Italian grandmothers proud.

  • Chicken Sizzle

Heat a skillet with a splash of olive oil and butter, then transform chicken slices into golden-brown delights by coating them with your homemade Cajun spice blend.

  • Veggie Symphony

Dance some chopped onions and colorful bell peppers in the same skillet, letting them soften and release their sweet, aromatic essence.

  • Creamy Transformation

Pour rich cream into the pan, allowing it to simmer and thicken into a luxurious sauce that hugs every single pasta curve.

  • Flavor Fusion

Combine chicken, pasta, and that dreamy sauce in one spectacular pan, stirring until every morsel is coated in creamy, spicy goodness.

  • Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top, creating a restaurant-worthy dish that’ll make your dinner table feel like a gourmet destination.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo: Chef’s Notes

  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your personal spice tolerance, ranging from mild to fiery hot by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper amount.
  • Replace chicken with shrimp, sliced sausage, or tender strips of beef for a delicious protein variation that keeps the Cajun flavor profile intact.
  • Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant, maintaining the creamy Alfredo sauce and Cajun spice blend for a satisfying meatless meal.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water, creating a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  • Toast the Cajun spices in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding cream to intensify the aromatic profile and release deeper, more complex flavor notes throughout the dish.

Serve Cajun Chicken Alfredo Like a Pro

  • Dinner Party Delight: Serve this Cajun Chicken Alfredo as a centerpiece for a casual dinner gathering with friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation and shared enjoyment.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or roasted garlic bread to complement the rich and spicy flavors of the Cajun Alfredo.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Enhance the meal's experience with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which beautifully balances the creamy sauce and spicy Cajun seasoning, elevating the overall dining pleasure.
  • Leftover Lunch Transform: Pack the remaining Cajun Chicken Alfredo in a portable container for a delicious next-day lunch, which tastes equally delightful when reheated and enjoyed at work or on-the-go.

Store Cajun Chicken Alfredo Smartly

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover Cajun Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Carefully pack meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore sauce's silky consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
  • Quick Lunch Hack: Transform leftovers into a delightful cold pasta salad by mixing with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra Parmesan cheese. Perfect for next-day work or school lunches.
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Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 45min
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Spicy Cajun chicken alfredo weaves Louisiana’s bold flavors into classic Italian pasta comfort. Creamy sauce, blackened chicken, and zesty spices create a memorable dinner experience you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (120 g)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (240 g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (240 g)
  • 10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup (60 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Spice Preparation: Meticulously blend Cajun seasonings in a mixing bowl, creating a robust, flavor-packed spice mixture for later application.
  2. Pasta Cooking: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add penne pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, preserving the pasta’s ideal texture.
  3. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Generously coat chicken strips with Cajun spice blend, then sear until golden-brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and reserve.
  4. Vegetable Infusion: In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until translucent and tender. Add minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, allowing spices to release their aromatic essence.
  5. Sauce Development: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer. Reduce and thicken the sauce, creating a rich, velvety base for the dish.
  6. Final Assembly: Reunite chicken and pasta within the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and luxurious.
  7. Plating and Garnish: Transfer the Cajun Chicken Alfredo to serving plates, adorning with finely chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a visually stunning and flavor-enhanced presentation.

Notes

  • Master Spice Blend: Create the Cajun seasoning mix ahead of time for deeper, more concentrated flavor infusion throughout the dish.
  • Pasta Perfection: Cook penne al dente to maintain a slight bite, preventing mushy texture and ensuring ideal pasta consistency.
  • Chicken Searing Technique: Achieve golden-brown exterior by using high heat and avoiding overcrowding in the skillet for maximum caramelization.
  • Cheese Melting Secret: Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy sauce texture.
  • Prep Time: 15min
  • Cook Time: 30min
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 635
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 128 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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