Description
Cajun Alfredo Pasta combines juicy garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Alfredo sauce kissed with Cajun seasoning for a bold, comforting meal. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a skillet of spicy, silky pasta that’s hearty enough for family dinner yet impressive enough for date night.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Cajun Alfredo Pasta
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12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
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2 tbsp butter
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
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1½ cups heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1½ tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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¼–½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Cook pasta just shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour if using.
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Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add Cajun seasoning, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.
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Toss pasta into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed.
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Return chicken to skillet, toss together, and garnish with parsley.
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Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd chicken in the skillet—this helps it sear.
Reserve pasta water—it’s key for a smooth sauce.
Adjust spice level by adding or reducing red pepper flakes.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts creamily than pre-shredded.
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Pasta
- Method: Stovetop (skillet)
- Cuisine: Cajun Fusion / American