This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that comes together in just one pan for easy cleanup. Packed with juicy chicken, bold Cajun spices, and rich Alfredo sauce, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Bold flavors – The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick to classic Alfredo.
- Creamy and comforting – The rich, cheesy sauce coats the pasta perfectly.
- Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fettuccine pasta
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Cook the chicken in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic in butter, then add chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add pasta and let it cook in the liquid until al dente.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, mixing until the sauce is creamy.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be added for extra nutrients.
- Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it milder or spicier.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon reheating.
FAQs
How spicy is Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or linguine work well in this recipe.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cornstarch can be a lighter alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead for quicker assembly.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a bit more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce provides a fresher, richer flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
How can I make it even creamier?
Add an extra handful of Parmesan or a bit of cream cheese.
What sides go well with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements the richness of the pasta.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, sauté the chicken first, then pressure cook with the pasta for about 5 minutes before stirring in the cheese and cream.
Conclusion
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with a Cajun twist. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting meal with minimal cleanup!
Print
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
This creamy and spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo is an easy one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor! Juicy, seasoned chicken is tossed with pasta in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta (or penne)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add to the pot and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the uncooked pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, butter, and smoked paprika. Add red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until the sauce is creamy.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pot, tossing everything together. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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