Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of bold flavors while still delivering creamy comfort, look no further than this Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta. It’s a perfect marriage of zesty Cajun spices and rich Alfredo sauce, all tossed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked fettuccine. This recipe brings a fiery twist to classic Alfredo, making it an irresistible meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish hits all the right notes with its creamy, spicy, and savory profile.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a crowd-pleaser with plenty of reasons to love it:

• Bold and Creamy: The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that perfectly balances the rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like fettuccine, chicken breast, garlic, and Parmesan cheese – no fancy or hard-to-find items.
• Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it milder or hotter based on your spice preference.
• Perfectly Balanced Textures: Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and velvety sauce create a satisfying bite every time.

Your Shopping Guide

To make this delicious Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta, here’s exactly what you’ll want to pick up:

• 8 ounces fettuccine pasta: Classic wide noodles that hold the sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic to perfection.
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Choose firm, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture.
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Look for a blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. You can also make your own.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds essential aromatic depth.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This creates the rich, luscious Alfredo sauce.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for creamy, salty flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
• Chopped parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Setup & Equipment

• Large pot: To boil the fettuccine pasta until al dente.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking the chicken and making the Alfredo sauce.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: To stir the sauce and pasta gently.
• Knife and cutting board: For dicing the chicken and mincing garlic.
• Colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta — Do This Next

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a half cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Season

Gradually whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy, spicy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!

For a fun twist on creamy Cajun pasta, check out the Cheesy Alfredo Chicken Pasta Casserole, which offers a baked alternative packed with cheesy layers. Or, if you want a sausage option with bold spices, the Spicy Cajun Andouille Sausage Pasta is a perfect dish to try next.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

• Replace fettuccine with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier, more tender meat.
• Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative with a subtle sweetness.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute half the cream with whole milk and increase Parmesan slightly for flavor.

Problems & Prevention

• Sauce Too Thick: If your Alfredo sauce thickens up too much, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it while maintaining creaminess.
• Chicken Dry or Overcooked: Dice chicken into evenly sized pieces and avoid overcooking by removing from heat as soon as the meat is cooked through.
• Spice Level Too Hot: Reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon or omit cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder dish.
• Pasta Clumps Together: Toss cooked pasta with a little olive oil before adding to the sauce to prevent sticking.

Storage Pro Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.

If you want to freeze the dish, do so before adding the garnish. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Your Top Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply dice it and add it to the sauce in Step 5. Since the chicken is already cooked, just warm it through without overcooking.

What type of Cajun seasoning works best?

Look for a Cajun blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs like oregano or thyme. You can also mix your own to control the heat and salt levels.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary for the Alfredo sauce?

Parmesan cheese is key to achieving the authentic cheesy flavor and creamy texture of Alfredo sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and adds a salty, nutty richness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them with freshly cooked pasta right before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy if stored overnight.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Cheesy Alfredo Chicken Pasta Casserole – A comforting baked pasta dish loaded with cheese and chicken.
• Spicy Cajun Andouille Sausage Pasta – A bold and spicy sausage pasta perfect for lovers of Cajun flavors.
• Classic Fettuccine Alfredo – A creamy, timeless Alfredo recipe that’s a kitchen staple.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Bright and zesty shrimp pasta for a lighter seafood option.

Ready to Cook?

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is all about combining simple ingredients to create an unforgettable meal. From the first bite, you’ll savor the creamy Alfredo sauce laced with just the right amount of Cajun spice, balanced by tender chicken and perfectly cooked fettuccine. Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that delivers warmth, comfort, and a little kick of heat. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and flavor!

Now, grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and dive into this deliciously creamy and spicy pasta treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

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