Cajun Chicken Alfredo: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite ππ
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes with a bit of a kick, this Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe is about to become your new favorite. The rich and smooth Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with the bold and spicy Cajun seasoning, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to make, coming together in just 45 minutes. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious meal at home.
Ingredients:
For the Cajun seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons paprika πΆοΈ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder π§
- 1 teaspoon onion powder π§
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano πΏ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme π±
- Β½ teaspoon cayenne pepper πΆοΈ
- Β½ teaspoon black pepper π
- Β½ teaspoon salt π§
For the pasta sauce:
- 10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta π
- 2 tablespoons olive oil π«
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter π§
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced π
- 1 small onion, finely diced (about Β½ cup or 120 g) π§
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup or 240 g) πΆοΈ
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup or 240 g) πΆοΈ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced π§
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy (double) cream π₯
- Β½ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese π§
- Salt and black pepper, to taste π§π
Instructions:
1οΈβ£ Prepare the Cajun seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and set aside. π₯
2οΈβ£ Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. π
3οΈβ£ Cook the chicken:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with 1 Β½ teaspoons of the prepared Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. π
4οΈβ£ SautΓ© the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. π₯
5οΈβ£ Add garlic and seasoning:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning. π§
6οΈβ£ Make the Alfredo sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. π₯
7οΈβ£ Combine everything:
Add the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir well to ensure that the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the sauce. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. π§
8οΈβ£ Serve and enjoy:
Divide the pasta into bowls and, if desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful mix of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. πΏπ§
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This Cajun Chicken Alfredo is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests with its bold flavors. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice, making it a comforting yet exciting dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal thatβs sure to satisfy.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this spicy, creamy delight! π½οΈ
PrintCajun Chicken Alfredo ππ
- Total Time: 45min
Ingredients
For the Cajun seasoning:
2 teaspoons paprika πΆοΈ
1 teaspoon garlic powder π§
1 teaspoon onion powder π§
1 teaspoon dried oregano πΏ
1 teaspoon dried thyme π±
Β½ teaspoon cayenne pepper πΆοΈ
Β½ teaspoon black pepper π
Β½ teaspoon salt π§
For the pasta sauce:
10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta π
2 tablespoons olive oil π«
2 tablespoons unsalted butter π§
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced π
1 small onion, finely diced (about Β½ cup or 120 g) π§
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup or 240 g) πΆοΈ
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup or 240 g) πΆοΈ
2 cloves garlic, minced π§
1 cup (240 ml) heavy (double) cream π₯
Β½ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese π§
Salt and black pepper, to taste π§π
Instructions
1οΈβ£ Prepare the Cajun seasoning by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. π₯
2οΈβ£ 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. π
3οΈβ£ Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with 1 Β½ teaspoons of the prepared Cajun seasoning. π
4οΈβ£ Cook the chicken in the skillet until browned and cooked through, then remove it and set aside. π³
5οΈβ£ In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. π₯
6οΈβ£ Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning. π§
7οΈβ£ Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cream thickens slightly. π₯
8οΈβ£ Add the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring that everything is well coated with the sauce. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. π§
9οΈβ£ To serve, divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if you like. πΏπ§
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 30min