Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccini. Cooked entirely in one pot, this recipe offers a simple, quick meal that delivers bold Cajun spices balanced by a smooth, cheesy sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccini pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth and half and half into the pot, stirring to combine. Add salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors into the sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked fettuccini pasta to the pot, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Immediately serve the Cajun Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of additional chicken broth or half and half to loosen it up.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level for milder or spicier pasta.
- For a richer flavor, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
