Pin It A bold, creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken tossed with fettuccine in a rich Alfredo sauce. This is perfect for spice lovers looking for comfort food with a kick.
I made this Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo for a family game night and it disappeared in minutes. The creamy sauce mellowed the heat, making it a favorite with both spice aficionados and those who usually avoid spicy dishes.
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
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season and Sear Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry, coat with Cajun seasoning, and cook in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 min per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 5 min, then slice thinly.
- Make Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 min until fragrant.
- Finish Sauce:
- Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss Pasta:
- Combine pasta and sauce, toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Top pasta with sliced chicken, parsley, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Pin It When we enjoy this for dinner together, the spicy aroma always brings everyone to the table quickly. It is especially good for cozy evenings where everyone helps themselves straight from the skillet.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, tongs, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, butter, Parmesan), gluten (fettuccine), and may contain allergens in Cajun seasoning. Always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 38 g.
Pin It This spicy Cajun chicken Alfredo is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it hot and watch everyone reach for seconds.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure chicken stays tender and juicy?
Pat the chicken dry and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning before cooking. Sear over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, allowing it to rest before slicing to retain juices.
- → Can I substitute fettuccine with other pastas?
Yes, penne or linguine work well as alternatives, maintaining sauce adherence and texture.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase Cajun seasoning or add more chili flakes for extra heat, or reduce these for a milder flavor.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it will yield a less rich texture.
- → How to achieve a silky sauce consistency?
Reserve some pasta water after cooking and add a little at a time to the sauce while tossing the pasta to smooth and thin the sauce.