Save A bold, creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken tossed with fettuccine in a rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for spice lovers.
Making Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo at home was a game-changer for dinner nights. The chicken gets wonderfully caramelized and the sauce perfectly coats every pasta strand.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Fettuccine: 340 g (12 oz)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili flakes (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: For garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make Alfredo sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Finish the sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed for a silky sauce.
- Serve:
- Top pasta with sliced Cajun chicken, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Save This recipe is always a hit at family gatherings. Everyone loves the spicy kick and creamy sauce, making it an instant favorite for both kids and adults.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, tongs, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons are essential for preparation.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and gluten. Cajun seasoning may have common allergens. Always verify ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save Enjoy this spicy Cajun chicken Alfredo with a crisp white wine for the perfect balance. Savor the bold flavors and creamy texture in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken?
Season chicken breasts evenly with Cajun spices and sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- → Can I substitute the pasta type?
Yes, penne or linguine can be used instead of fettuccine for a different texture and presentation.
- → How do I adjust the spiciness level?
Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add more chili flakes to enhance the heat according to your preference.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream for the sauce?
Using half-and-half will create a lighter sauce while maintaining creamy consistency, perfect for a less rich outcome.
- → How to achieve a silky sauce consistency?
Reserve some pasta water when cooking noodles and add it gradually to the sauce to adjust its thickness and silkiness.