Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with a rich Alfredo sauce, all cooked together with fettuccini for a quick and easy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a comforting blend of spicy, garlicky, and cheesy flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
Liquid and Spices
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccini pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth and half and half, stirring well to combine. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook Pasta: Add uncooked fettuccini pasta to the pot, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pot and stir thoroughly to combine with the pasta and sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun Chicken Alfredo immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a large enough pot or deep skillet to accommodate all ingredients comfortably without spilling.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to spice preference for milder or spicier results.
- For a lactose-free version, substitute half and half and Parmesan with lactose-free alternatives or dairy-free cream and cheese.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
