Description
Creamy cajun chicken alfredo brings Southern spice and Italian comfort together in one delightful skillet. Packed with bold flavors and easy preparation, this dish offers a quick weeknight meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into strips
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Protein Preparation: Season chicken with Cajun blend, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt, then sear in hot olive oil until golden and thoroughly cooked, then set aside.
- Aromatic Foundation: Melt butter in the identical skillet, rapidly sauté minced garlic, then deglaze with chicken broth and heavy cream, lifting caramelized remnants from pan surface.
- Pasta Integration: Introduce fettuccine directly into liquid mixture, incorporating additional Cajun seasoning and black pepper, then simmer and stir periodically until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and sauce transforms into luxurious consistency.
- Final Embellishment: Fold in Parmesan cheese until achieving silky texture, reunite previously prepared chicken into the creamy mixture, allowing flavors to harmonize, then accent with optional red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.
- Presentation: Plate immediately, offering complementary garnishes like extra Parmesan and warm garlic bread, ensuring maximum gustatory enjoyment.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning carefully to control spice level; start with less and add gradually to prevent overwhelming heat.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even pasta tenderness; aim for al dente consistency.
- Remove pan from direct heat when adding Parmesan to avoid curdling; stir gently until cheese melts smoothly.
- Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary preferences without compromising core flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg