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A close-up shot of creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo pasta with penne, sliced sausage, and fresh parsley in a pot.
Layla

Fiery Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Indulge in a rich and creamy Alfredo pasta infused with bold Cajun spices and tender, pan-seared chicken. This dish brings a vibrant kick to a classic comfort food that's perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Italian-American
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Cajun Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Alfredo Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large Pot
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Cajun Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
  1. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water to prevent sticking.
  2. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
  1. In the same skillet (no need to clean) over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low.
  3. Stir in the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Add the cooked chicken and drained fettuccine pasta to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the cayenne pepper. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore consistency. For added texture and flavor, consider sautéing sliced bell peppers and onions alongside the chicken.