Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a quick weeknight meal that comes together in a single pan. Cavatappi pasta and cajun chicken are coated in a creamy parmesan alfredo sauce.
You’re going to love this recipe for Cajun Chicken and Spinach Parmesan Pasta Skillet Meal. This dish is one of my new favorites when I’m looking for an easy weeknight meal.
First, the chicken is ridiculously easy to prepare. I used my homemade Cajun Seasoning, but you can also find cajun seasoning at your local grocer.
Second, the pasta is boiled in the same pan, which saves you time and cleanup afterward. I love a good skillet meal.
The seasoning in this dish is very minimal. Beyond the cajun seasoning, I’ve only added a dash of salt to the chicken. The chicken broth and parmesan cheese add salt and flavor to your pasta and sauce.
However, if you’re using low or no sodium broth, you may need to do a taste test and and salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add a dash of cajun seasoning to the top of your dish before serving.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Alfredo
First, gather all of your ingredients. Other than your ingredients, all you’ll need is a sauté pan and a spoon or spatula. I love using my spoonula for recipes like this – it’s like a spatula and a spoon in one.
For this recipe, you’ll need chicked broth, heavy cream, olive oil, garlic, cajun seasoning, salt, parmesan cheese, water, chicken, and pasta.
I used cavatappi pasta for my chicken alfredo, but bow ties, fettuccine, spaghetti, or shells would all work well.
First, season your chicken. Then, in your sauté pan over medium heat, add your olive oil and brown your chicken on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan, add your minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds.
Then, add your chicken broth, water, and pasta to the pan. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook until al dente. At this point, most of your liquid should be absorbed by the pasta. If there is an excessive amount of liquid left over, you can easily spoon it out of your pan at this point.
Next, add your parmesan cheese and heavy cream to the pan. Stir to combine, all while keeping your pan over medium-low heat. Then, add your cooked chicken to the pan and stir to incorporate.
Remove your pan from the heat once the cheese has melted and allow it to sit, undisturbed, for 5 minutes. This will allow your sauce to thicken and absorb into the pasta.
Lastly, sprinkle with a bit of fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
Pasta One Pan Meals
Pasta One Pan MealsMy love for one pan meals is unparalleled. There is nothing worse than having a kitchen full of dishes to clean after you’ve just finished enjoying your meal.
If you love skillet meals as much as I do, you should check out some of my other pasta one pan meals. They’re all made in a single pan, and come together in 30 minutes or less. Add some variety to your weeknight meals!
Ground Beef and Pasta
Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet Meal
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Meal
Chicken and Pasta
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Orzo Skillet Meal
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Leftover Turkey Bacon Alfredo Skillet Meal (make this one with leftover rotisserie chicken!)
Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta uncooked
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cube chicken breasts and season with salt and cajun seasoning.
- Heat saute pan over medium heat. Add olive oil to pan. When heated, add cubed chicken and cook evenly on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Remove chicken from pan, set aside, and cover to keep warm.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, water, and pasta to pan. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes (or according to your pasta's package directions). Most of the liquid should be absorbed.
- Remove lid and add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and allow cheese to melt, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken and stir to incorporate. Remove pan from heat and allow to sit, undisturbed, for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken.
- Top pasta with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- My original recipe included a spinach. If desired, Add two handfuls of spinach to your dish along with the cheese.
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