Description
How to make creamy one skillet Cajun chicken alfredo with tender chicken and bold spices that brings restaurant flavor to your weeknight dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Base Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss chicken pieces with spice blend until evenly coated and aromatic.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to boil, then simmer 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and butter until melted and smooth. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until sauce is creamy and thick.
- Combine Everything: Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip seasoning the chicken well – the spices need time to adhere and create that flavorful crust.
- Cook pasta directly in the skillet with vegetables to build more flavor and save dishes.
- Taste and adjust spices at the end since different brands vary in intensity levels.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and hot for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream to loosen the thickened sauce.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g