The Easiest Cajun Chicken Alfredo

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When you are looking for a twist on a classic for dinner, you have to try this Cajun chicken alfredo. It is a fun dish that is packed with flavor and a unique spin on the classic. A fusion of Italian and Cajun flavors creates a hearty meal that is easy to make and ideal for busy weeknights! You are going to love taking this easy pasta recipe to a whole new level.

sliced tomato and herbs on table next to cast iron skillet of pasta with sliced chicken

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Cajun Chicken Alfredo
What Should I Serve With Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Frequently Asked Questions
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
📖 Recipe

Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Cajun chicken alfredo is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. It is on the table in under an hour, and it’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you make chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this pasta dish, you are going to love the result.

The best part of this recipe is that it can be tailored to your own taste preferences. You can add more or less spice depending on what you like, and you can also use different types of pasta if you’re not a fan of fettuccine.

If you like this idea, then you'll love the one-pot garlic Parmesan chicken with bow-tie pasta. It's another super easy meal idea that has all of the flavors you want in every bite!

pasta and chicken in skillet on wire mat with gray table base

What Should I Serve With Cajun Chicken Alfredo?

Alfredo is one of those sauces that just go well with everything. Most people automatically think of this as a meal in one dish, but you can elaborate on it and share more foods as side dishes or starters.

I love serving a simple Panzanella bread salad as a starter along with some of this homemade cheesy garlic bread or even a simple homemade crescent roll. Other ideas include serving with roasted cauliflower and broccoli, or even a fresh broccoli and cauliflower salad with bacon.

white bowl of chicken pasta on distressed wood table

Ingredients

For chicken

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Alfredo

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 garlic clove
7 ounces chicken broth (200 ml)
7 ounces heavy cream (200 ml)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ pound dry spaghetti (250 g)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

sliced cajun chicken on bed of pasta in white bowl

Handy Kitchen Tools

round black bowl with pasta and chicken in center

How to Make Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Begin this recipe by making your Cajun seasoning blend. I used paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a garlic herb blend or even just some dried herbs to make it have a bit more flavor.

Now, spread the olive oil over your chicken breasts, and then sprinkle them with the seasoning blend on all sides making sure that it sticks to the chicken breasts.

chicken breasts on white mat being seasoned

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet.

pink tongs placing chicken breast into hot skillet

Cook the chicken for 4 minutes per side, or until it has reached 165°F internally at the thickest point. If using larger breasts, you may need to cook for 5 or 6 minutes per side. Keep on medium heat to prevent the chicken from burning.

cooked chicken being removed from skillet with pink tongs

Now, while the chicken is cooking, you can begin cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once al dente, drain and then set aside to add to the sauce later.

When the chicken is done cooking, set it aside and let it rest.

Into the same skillet, add the additional butter, minced garlic, and all-purpose flour and stir together.

garlic being added to butter and skillet

Whisk in the chicken broth and cream, stirring this mixture constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.

Then, add in the Parmesan cheese, and stir until combined, melted, and the sauce is the desired consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.

light brown sauce in skillet with light teal spoon

Once the sauce has thickened, pour in the cooked pasta and stir to combine.

Serve with sliced chicken breasts and a bit of fresh parsley sprinkled on top.

round white bowl of Cajun chicken alfredo sitting on wood table by cast iron skillet

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Improve My Alfredo Sauce?

Alfredo is a recipe that is so good because of the rich ingredients. It is almost decadent. If you want to make it even better, you can add more cream or cream cheese. This adds even more richness to the sauce.

There is a ton of cheese in the sauce, but when you are serving, add freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. Because the cheese isn't melted in, it gives it a different flavor than the cheese in the sauce and makes this even better.

You can even add more blackening seasoning or your favorite cajun seasoning. If you are one of those people who can not get enough, add more. You can add the perfect amount to make this delicious dish outstanding.

What To Add to Alfredo To Make it Taste Better

This rich and decadent pasta dish can be a meal on its own or add broccoli to finish it off. You can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread.

If you want to change it up, you could even use rice instead of pasta. This would be more like a cajun chicken alfredo skillet dish. The sauce would still be just as good, and you would have a one-pot meal that is easy to make.

Another idea is to serve it with mashed potatoes, instead of pasta. This would be a delicious and different way to eat this classic dish.

What Pasta Is Best For This Recipe?

You can use whatever pasta you like in this recipe. Most people think of using fettuccine when making alfredo because the long thick noodles hold the sauce well. I used simple spaghetti that was on hand, but you can use whatever you prefer.

Other options include tube-shaped noodles such as penne or even rigatoni for holding sauce. Bowtie pasta is another great choice that works well with this thick and rich sauce.

You can even use zoodles if you are watching the carbs. Zucchini noodles are a great alternative to pasta and they work really well with alfredo sauce. You can use a spiralizer to make them or you can buy them already spiralized at the store.

Can I Serve Alfredo With Different Proteins?

Chicken breasts are my go-to for meals like this, but you may prefer a different protein. Alfredo pairs well with chicken thighs as well as breasts. Other common additions include seafood such as shrimp, scallops, or crab.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes

Pasta is always on our menu! A great meal choice that stretches further and is affordable, it is the base of many meals we share. Below are a few more for you to bookmark, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 4

Cajun Chicken Alfredo

This delicious Cajun chicken alfredo is a perfect weeknight meal with tons of flavor and a delicious creamy sauce!

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Alfredo

1 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 garlic clove, minced
7 ounces chicken broth (200 ml)
7 ounces heavy cream (200 ml)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ pound dry spaghetti (250 g)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. If desired, add additional garlic herb seasoning.
Rub the chicken with olive oil, then spread the seasoning blend over both sides of the chicken coating it well.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts into the skillet, and let cook for 4 minutes. Turn the chicken, and continue cooking on the other side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature has reached 165°F at the thickest part.
While this is cooking, begin cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once al dente, remove from the water and set aside.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Into the same skillet, add the minced garlic, the additional butter, and all-purpose flour. Stir this together until combined.
Now, whisk in the chicken broth and cream, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Then, add the grated parmesan, and once melted taste. Add additional salt and pepper if desired.
Once the sauce has thickened, pour in the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
Serve with sliced chicken breasts and a bit of fresh parsley sprinkled on top.