Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

This spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo combines bold flavors and creamy pasta for a deliciously indulgent dish. Loaded with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious sauce, it's just perfect for those craving a bit of spice and comfort in one meal.

If you've been searching for a pasta dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the indulgence of a creamy Alfredo sauce, look no further. This Cajun chicken Alfredo is everything you've been dreaming of and more.

Whether you're a fan of Cajun cuisine or just love the combination of spicy and creamy, this Cajun chicken Alfredo is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite.

The lively spices combined with the luxurious Alfredo sauce create the ultimate comfort food experience that feels just like a warm hug.

Doesn't that sound like the perfect treat? Trust me, once you try this Cajun chicken Alfredo with its homemade Cajun seasoning, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It's just that irresistible!

Why you’ll love this cajun chicken Alfredo

• Bold and flavorful — The homemade Cajun seasoning adds a kick of spice, while the Alfredo sauce provides a rich and creamy balance.
• Satisfying and comforting — This dish is the perfect combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety sauce that will leave you craving more.
• Versatile and adaptable — You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste or swap out ingredients based on what's available in your kitchen.

What goes into creamy cajun chicken pasta

Spices mix — Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme and cayenne pepper create a flavorful and spicy Cajun seasoning.

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also use a store-bought Cajun seasoning blend if you have one on hand.

Olive oil and unsalted butter — A combination of olive oil and butter is used to cook the chicken and vegetables, providing a rich and flavorful base for the sauce. You can use all olive oil or all butter if you prefer.

Onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper — These vegetables add color, flavor, and texture to the dish.

Feel free to add more veggies like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes if you'd like.

Chicken breasts — Skinless chicken breast is the perfect lean cut for this pasta dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a more tender and juicy meat.

Garlic — Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of flavor to the sauce. You can use garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic on hand.

Heavy (double) cream — The heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream.

Penne pasta — The tube-shaped penne pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, but you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or fettuccine if you prefer.

Grated Parmesan cheese — The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor to the sauce. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.

How to make spicy cajun chicken Alfredo

Prepare the Cajun seasoning by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to boil, salt it generously and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with 1 ½ teaspoon of the prepared Cajun seasoning.

Cook the chicken in the skillet until browned and cooked through, then remove it and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.

Add the penne pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring that everything is well coated with the sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water if it looks too thick. Next, stir in the grated parmesan cheese.

To serve, divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Leftovers and storage

• Once the spicy Cajun chicken Alfredo has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, place the leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• I don’t recommend freezing this pasta dish.

Recipe notes and tips

• To save time, you can use pre-cooked, grilled, or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the skillet with the cooked pasta.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the pasta sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. You may also want to swap out the Parmesan cheese for a vegetarian or vegan alternative.
• Serve the spicy Cajun chicken Alfredo with crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

If you liked this spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo, you might also like some of my other creamy pasta recipes:

• Creamy Pasta with Bacon and Peas
• Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe
• Chicken and Chorizo Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

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