Description
How to make one pot creamy Cajun chicken alfredo with tender chicken, bold spices and rich sauce that saves dishes and delivers comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Pasta and Liquid
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Mix all Cajun spices in a bowl, then toss chicken pieces until evenly coated. Let sit 5 minutes while you prep other ingredients for better flavor penetration.
- Sear Chicken: Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on plate.
- Build Base: Add butter to same pot and melt. Sauté onion 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta and chicken broth to pot. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid reduces.
- Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream and return chicken to pot. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly – don’t boil vigorously or cream may separate.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip searing the chicken as it builds crucial flavor layers in the dish.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container.
- Substitute penne with rigatoni, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Add extra chicken broth when reheating to restore creamy sauce consistency.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning at the end to suit your heat preference.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 35g