Description
A creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo combining tender, spiced chicken with rich Parmesan cream sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This dish offers a spicy twist on the classic Alfredo, finished with optional fresh vegetables and herbs for added color and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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 Additions
- ½ cup diced tomatoes or bell peppers
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken breasts with the Cajun seasoning ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring frequently to create a rich, creamy consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly with the Alfredo sauce. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Add Freshness (Optional): Stir in the diced tomatoes or bell peppers to give the dish added color and a fresh, crisp texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce for a perfect creamy texture.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice herbal aroma and visual appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra freshness and to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain juiciness.
