Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

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

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.

Pin

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.