Save A bold, creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken tossed with fettuccine in a rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for spice lovers.
I first made this for a weekend family dinner when everyone craved something filling with a kick. The tender chicken and velvety sauce won us over instantly.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Fettuccine: 340 g (12 oz)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g), freshly grated
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili flakes (optional): 1/2 teaspoon, for extra heat
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Prep Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning.
- Sear Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5 (to) 6 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Finish Alfredo:
- Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer gently, whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss & Serve:
- Add fettuccine to sauce; toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed for silkier sauce. Top with sliced Cajun chicken, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Pin it We always share this dish on birthdays because the lively Cajun flavors bring excitement to our celebrations and everyone returns for seconds!
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, tongs, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons are essential for best results.
Allergen Information
This meal has dairy (cream, butter, Parmesan) and gluten (fettuccine). Cajun seasoning may contain additional allergens so read the packaging carefully.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein for delicious fuel.
Pin it Add extra Cajun spice for a bolder kick or more Parmesan for extra richness. This meal sparks joy every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the chicken tender and flavorful?
Pat the chicken dry and evenly coat with Cajun seasoning before cooking. Searing on medium-high heat locks in juices and develops a flavorful crust.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Yes, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more chili flakes to boost the heat according to taste.
- → What is the best pasta to use for this dish?
Fettuccine works well to hold the creamy sauce, but penne or linguine are excellent alternatives that also absorb flavors nicely.
- → How do I achieve a smooth Alfredo sauce?
Sautéing garlic in butter before adding cream and cheese ensures flavor. Whisk the sauce gently and add reserved pasta water gradually for a silky texture.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Chopped fresh parsley adds freshness, and extra grated Parmesan enhances the rich, nutty flavor of the sauce.