Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe [Video]

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is an easy one-pot dish, that is super creamy, cheesy and ready in 30 minutes. This is the perfect family dinner meal to enjoy during those busy days!

I love making an easy and flavorful one-pan meal to feed the whole family. You may also check my other quick and popular dinner recipes such as Ham and Cheese Pasta, Taco Tortilla Roll Ups, and Cast Iron Chicken and Mushrooms.

Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Being a busy mom, I always look for delicious and flavorful dishes to make that are not complicated and can be done by anyone. This easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe is just that. It is full of flavor with the perfect amount of cajun spices, and at the same time is rich and creamy.

The alfredo sauce takes this dish to a different level. It also pairs well with the pasta as it soaks all the flavors into it. The hardest part about this recipe is probably cutting the chicken breasts into smaller pieces. Preparing all the ingredients should not take you more than 5 minutes. Then, the rest is simple.

Throw everything together into the pan and cook for 12-15 minutes. It couldn’t get easier than this! Also, feel free to make a larger batch, as leftovers are delicious. It even tastes better the following days! Yummm!

How to make Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

For quick and easy guidelines, please watch the recipe video attached above. But the general steps are as follows:

• Brown the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper and 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning. Start by adding some olive oil to a larger pan. Heat it over high heat. Once hot, add the cubed or sliced chicken to it. Cook until browned. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute.
• Cook the pasta: Next, add some Cajun seasoning and continue to stir for about 1 minute. Once the ingredients are well mixed together, add the broth, cream or half and half, and bring to boil. Then, add the pasta, and stir to combine. Cover and bring to boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. 
• Garnish: Once the pasta is cooked, removed the dish from heat. To finish, add the shredded parmesan cheese. Serve warm. 

Recipe Variations:

• This dish is very versatile and can be adjusted based on your preferences. Prior to adjusting the ingredients, ensure that it alters your own taste and texture. Here are some of my favorite variations of it:
• Ham Cajun Alfredo Pasta: Feel free to use other meats. If you are in a hurry and do not want to cook the chicken, simply use cooked ham instead of poultry. In addition, rotisserie chicken, or turkey can be substituted as well. 
• Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian version omit the meat altogether. You can substitute it with tofu, or just use vegetables. Broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, are some nice additions.
• Use different pasta: Also, feel free to use any type of pasta you have available or like the most. Penne, bowtie, fettuccine, etc are also great.

Can I make Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta in advance?

Absolutely! This dish stores well, and it even tastes better the next day. Make it ahead, and simply store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The pasta will soak the flavors from the sauce and will taste amazing.

Ensure to warm it up prior to serving if it was refrigerated. Warm on low heat over the stovetop for best result, and stir while warming it. If needed, add more broth.

Can I freeze it?

I would not recommend freezing it because the cream is used, and therefore it does not freeze well, as cream tends to separate. 

Recipe Tips:

• This recipe works great with shrimp or sausage as well. You can use leftover sausage or even bacon if preferred. 
• Instead of cream, half and half can be used. 
• Also, when reheating, the sauce might be too thick. If that is the case, add one or two tablespoons of milk or broth to reach the desired consistency.
• Prior to cooking the meat, I recommend rubbing it with the cajun spices. This way it will absorb the flavors better. 
• In addition, make sure the pan is hot before adding the poultry. It will result in crispier meat, golden-brown meat.
• Garnish with parmesan cheese and some chopped green onion or parsley.

Print

One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is an easy one-pot dish, that is super creamy, cheesy and ready in 30 minutes. This is the perfect family dinner meal to enjoy during those busy days!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 954 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoon olive oil divided
• 2 pounds chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 quart chicken broth low sodium
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 pound medium shell pasta
• 2 1/2 cups parmesan cheese freshly shredded
• 2 teaspoon cajun seasoning or more
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
• 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper and 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning.
2. Place a large pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the chicken. If needed, brown it in batches to prevent overcrowding.
3. Once the chicken is browned, add two more tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic, stir and saute for about one minute.
4. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning and uncooked pasta, stir to combine.
5. Once the mixture starts to boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender, stir occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
8. Serve sprinkled with fresh parsley and remaining cheese.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

One Pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 954 Calories from Fat 558

% Daily Value*

Fat 62g95%

Saturated Fat 32g200%

Cholesterol 261mg87%

Sodium 1658mg72%

Potassium 990mg28%

Carbohydrates 62g21%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 60g120%

Vitamin A 2213IU44%

Vitamin C 15mg18%

Calcium 594mg59%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.