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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish combining tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a spicy Cajun kick for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus 1 teaspoon for cooking liquid)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 8 oz uncooked fettuccine pasta (break in half to fit pot)
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Alfredo sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Cook the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Add pasta and liquids: Add uncooked fettuccine, chicken broth, heavy cream, and remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Simmer and stir: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
  6. Incorporate Alfredo sauce and cheese: Stir in Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese. Add cooked chicken back to the pan. Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

If pasta is not tender after 15 minutes, add a splash more broth and continue cooking. Use lid to trap steam but remove near end to thicken sauce. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Alfredo sauce. Protein can be swapped with shrimp or smoked sausage. Gluten-free pasta can be used for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, spicy pasta