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Flavorful Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Creamy Fettuccine

Cajun Chicken Alfredo - featured image

A quick and easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe featuring creamy fettuccine with a spicy, smoky kick. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340g), sliced into strips
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta (about 225g), cooked al dente
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or chives, extra grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove chicken and keep warm.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan gradually until smooth and creamy. Add nutmeg if using, and season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Add cooked fettuccine and chicken back to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in sauce and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken to get a good crust. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. If sauce separates, whisk with a splash of pasta water to bring it back.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken alfredo, creamy fettuccine, spicy pasta, quick dinner, easy Cajun recipe