Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A rich and creamy pasta dish with tender chicken breast pieces tossed in a spiced Cajun Alfredo sauce, finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. This southern-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 1 lb cubed chicken breasts with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, then add to the skillet and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Southern pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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