One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish made with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and pasta—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pot for minimal cleanup
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with Cajun spice
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfectly seasoned chicken with a kick of heat
- Easily customizable with different proteins or veggies
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fettuccine or penne pasta
- Butter
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Season and cook the chicken: Coat chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a simmer. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Stir in cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and serve: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Stir everything together, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Shrimp Cajun Alfredo: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini instead of chicken.
- Lighter Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Extra Spicy: Add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Bacon Twist: Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
- Reheating: Warm on low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just slice and heat it in the sauce before serving.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work best.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.
What’s the best way to keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Add more broth or cream while stirring.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead for faster cooking.
What protein can I use instead of chicken?
Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu work well.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently while cooking and add more liquid if needed.
Conclusion
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying meal that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today for an easy and delicious dinner!
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One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Italian-American
Description
This one-pot Cajun chicken alfredo is creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavors! Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce make this an easy weeknight dinner favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Sauté Garlic & Add Liquids:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Add fettuccine, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
-
Finish the Dish:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese and garlic bread on the side!
Notes
- Make it extra creamy by adding ¼ cup cream cheese.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Lighter version? Swap half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta.