Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience – No need to use multiple pans, making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with Flavor – The Cajun seasoning gives this dish a bold, spicy kick.
- Creamy & Comforting – The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap ingredients based on preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Season & Cook the Chicken
- In a large pot, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Pasta
- Stir the pasta into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in Liquids & Simmer
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish & Serve
- Top with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a Cajun Shrimp Alfredo.
- Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it milder or spicier.
- Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Pasta Choices: Swap penne or fettuccine for rotini, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce can separate when frozen.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes! Store-bought Cajun seasoning works great, or you can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and other spices.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine work best, but you can use any pasta that holds sauce well.
3. How can I make it less spicy?
Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon. Adding more cream or cheese can also help balance the spice.
4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but add it towards the end so it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
5. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
6. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Use whole milk or mix milk with a little butter for a closer texture.
7. What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook it and store it in the fridge, then reheat with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.
9. Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it in the last few minutes of cooking.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Conclusion
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a delicious, creamy, and spicy meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With easy cleanup and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it out, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner rotation!
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a bold and creamy dish packed with spicy Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. Perfect for busy nights, this easy one-pot meal minimizes cleanup while delivering maximum taste. Try this quick and flavorful pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Season & Cook the Chicken
- Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, sauté onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the Pasta
- Stir in the pasta with the sautéed vegetables.
4. Pour in Liquids & Simmer
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
5. Finish the Dish
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with Parmesan cheese.
- Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Top with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a Cajun Shrimp Alfredo.
- Spice Control: Reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor or add extra for more heat.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
