Quick & Healthy Cajun Chicken Alfredo! 😋
Indulge in a quick and healthy Cajun Chicken Alfredo! This dish features perfectly seasoned chicken, a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender fettuccine, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1.25-1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs sliced into strips
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun Seasoning adjust to your spice preference!
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Butter for searing chicken
- 1 Tablespoon Butter for sauce
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 3/4 cups Heavy Cream for a rich sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 4 ounces Sun-Dried Tomatoes chopped (optional, but adds great flavor!)
- 12 ounces Fettuccine Pasta or your favorite pasta shape
For Garnish & Serving
- Fresh Italian Parsley or Green Onions chopped, for garnish
- Extra Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese for serving
- Cajun Seasoning A dash of extra, for serving
Optional Toppings
- Crispy Bacon bits
- sliced Jalapeños
- fresh Diced Roma Tomatoes
Instructions
- 1. Prep the Chicken: Start by slicing your chicken into lean strips. In a bowl, toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning until each piece is beautifully coated.
- 2. Sear to Perfection: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it's fully cooked through and has a lovely golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the rest of the meal.
- 3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until it's perfectly al dente. Before draining, remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water – it's a secret weapon for your sauce!
- 4. Whip Up the Creamy Sauce: In the same large skillet (less cleanup!), melt a tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Sauté the minced garlic for just 30 seconds until it smells wonderfully fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- 5. Achieve Velvety Smoothness: Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding it in small batches to ensure a smooth, clump-free sauce. Let it simmer and thicken for another 5 minutes. If you're using them, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes now. If your sauce is a bit too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of your reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- 6. Combine & Serve: Toss the hot, cooked pasta directly with the luxurious Alfredo sauce. Top generously with your perfectly seared Cajun chicken strips. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley or green onions, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and a dash of Cajun seasoning. Feel free to add any optional toppings like fresh diced tomatoes or jalapeños for a burst of extra flavor and freshness!
Notes
Nutrition details not provided in original recipe; estimates vary based on exact ingredients used. This includes Calories, Total Carbs, Net Carbs, Fats, and Protein.
