This Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying pasta dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the richness of Alfredo sauce. Made in one pot, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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A one-pot meal with easy cleanup.
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Bold Cajun spices paired with creamy Alfredo sauce.
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Customizable—swap chicken for shrimp or even tofu.
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Perfect balance of protein, veggies, and carbs.
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Ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cups chicken broth
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8 oz fettuccine pasta
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 cups baby spinach
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Prepare the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
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Cook the chicken: In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the pasta: In the same pot, add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
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Make the Alfredo sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
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Combine ingredients: Return chicken to the pot. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
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Season and serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and timing
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 4
Variations
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Seafood twist: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook until pink and tender.
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Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
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Spice level: Adjust Cajun seasoning or add cayenne for more heat.
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Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
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Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp works perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time since shrimp cooks much faster.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, linguine, or spaghetti also work well.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, use less Cajun seasoning or make a homemade blend with reduced cayenne.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead to save time.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth to thin it out.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it thickens naturally.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, but taste first and adjust salt since some blends are quite salty.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while cooking and ensure enough broth is in the pot.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients, but make sure to use a large enough pot.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort dish that combines spice, creaminess, and hearty pasta in one pot. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this recipe is both simple and indulgent. With its bold flavors and creamy sauce, it’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.
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Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo pasta is creamy, spicy, and bursting with flavor! Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender fettuccine, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach are tossed in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy recipe combines bold Cajun spices with classic Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
3 cups chicken broth
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Substitutions:
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu (adjust cooking time).
Use homemade Cajun seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper).
Instructions
Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Cook Pasta: In the same pot, add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Dish into bowls, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase cayenne in Cajun seasoning.
Adjust sauce consistency by adding extra broth if too thick or simmering if too thin.
Do not rinse pasta after cooking; the starch helps the sauce cling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
