Description
This Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, spicy pasta dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with rich Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine. Enhanced with garlic and a hint of Cajun seasoning, this recipe is an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins and Garnish
- ½ cup diced tomatoes or bell peppers
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese and Season: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked fettuccine and toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Add Optional Vegetables: Stir in diced tomatoes or bell peppers if using, to add freshness, color, and texture to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and serve the Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo hot. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference, adding less for milder heat or more for extra kick.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency perfectly without thinning too much.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less butter.
- You can swap diced tomatoes with bell peppers or omit them entirely based on your preference.
- This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like linguine or penne if fettuccine is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
