Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

This dish features juicy chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices and pan-seared to golden perfection. Fettuccine pasta is cooked al dente and combined with a luscious Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and chili flakes for a gentle kick. The sauce is finished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish. The careful balance between creamy richness and spicy flavor makes it a satisfying meal with a comforting texture and robust taste.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:08:00 GMT
Golden, Cajun-spiced chicken atop creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo pasta, ready to enjoy. Pin
Golden, Cajun-spiced chicken atop creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo pasta, ready to enjoy. | garlicgroove.com

A bold creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken tossed with fettuccine in a rich Alfredo sauce perfect for spice lovers.

After craving something hearty yet flavorful I decided to marry Cajun spices with classic Alfredo for the ultimate comfort meal.

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: 3 cloves minced
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Chili flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan cheese: for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain and set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken:
Pat chicken dry and coat with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes then slice thinly.
Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce:
In the same skillet reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in heavy cream smoked paprika and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer then whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season to taste.
Toss Pasta and Finish:
Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed for a silkier sauce. Top with sliced Cajun chicken and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Pin
| garlicgroove.com

This pasta always brings my family to the table for some spicy laughs and twirling noodles together.

Variations

Try swapping fettuccine for penne or linguine or use half-and-half for a lighter cream sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for perfect balance.

Allergen and Nutrition Info

Each serving provides 610 calories with dairy and gluten present. Check your Cajun seasoning for possible celery or mustard content.

Picture a steaming bowl of Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with vibrant parsley and Parmesan. Pin
Picture a steaming bowl of Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with vibrant parsley and Parmesan. | garlicgroove.com

This Cajun Alfredo will spice up any weeknight and it tastes just as good for leftovers the next day.

Recipe Questions

How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown. Let it rest before slicing to retain juices.

Can I use other pasta types with this dish?

Yes, penne or linguine work well as alternatives to fettuccine without affecting the flavor balance.

How can I adjust the spiciness level?

Increase Cajun seasoning or chili flakes for more heat, or reduce them to soften the spice.

What’s the best way to achieve a smooth Alfredo sauce?

Simmer heavy cream with butter and garlic before whisking in Parmesan cheese slowly until fully melted and silky.

Can I make this dish lighter?

Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream creates a lighter sauce without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Alfredo sauce coats fettuccine tossed with spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken and garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min


Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements None specified

Components

Chicken

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
03 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta

01 12 ounces fettuccine

Alfredo Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 cup heavy cream
04 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
02 Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 01

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 02

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry and evenly coat with Cajun seasoning.

Step 03

Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 04

Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 05

Finish Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer gently, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 06

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 07

Serve: Top pasta with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan)
  • Contains gluten (fettuccine)
  • May contain mustard or celery allergens in Cajun seasoning

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 610
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Protein: 38 g