I have to share this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with you. It’s rich, creamy, and packs a spicy Cajun kick that makes every bite so satisfying. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite quick meals when I want something cozy and bold.
If you’re craving a dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect. Cooking it all in one pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy. Plus, the creamy sauce and spicy chicken come together like a dream.
I’m excited for you to try it and make dinner extra tasty tonight. Ready to get started?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: The Cajun spices give the chicken and sauce a bold, smoky heat balanced by creamy Alfredo richness.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking all ingredients in one pot means fewer dishes to wash afterward.
- Quick and Filling: Ready in about an hour, it’s a satisfying meal for busy days.
- Versatile: Pair it with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a balanced dinner.
- Family Friendly: The creamy texture and mild heat make it enjoyable for adults and kids alike.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves 6 people generously.
Difficulty:
Moderate — great for cooks with some experience wanting a flavorful, one-pot meal.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (with lid)
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Variations for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it creamy without dairy.
- Pasta Swap: Try linguine or penne if you want a different pasta shape.
- Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage for a twist on the original.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo: Step-by-Step
1. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with half the Cajun seasoning, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Pasta and Liquids
Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
4. Simmer and Stir
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Finish the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving and Decoration
Serve this creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for extra cheesiness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Storing One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce smooth.
- Freeze: You can freeze this dish, but creamy sauces may separate slightly when thawed. Reheat slowly and stir well to recombine.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese often contains additives that affect texture.
- Stir the pasta frequently while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning gradually to suit your heat preference.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Course: Chicken Recipes6
servings15
minutes40
minutes520
kcalIngredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
3 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, sprinkle with half the Cajun seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning; cook 1 minute.
- Add pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and submerge pasta in liquid.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Return chicken to the pot. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s best to use fresh chicken. If using frozen, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Yes! Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase heat.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook it and refrigerate leftovers. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
Conclusion
I’ve used these ingredients to cook this creamy and flavorful Cajun chicken Alfredo: chicken breast, pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, onion, bell pepper, garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley. This recipe is perfect when you want a rich, comforting meal with a little spicy kick, all cooked in one pot to save time and effort.
Enjoy this dish as a filling dinner any day of the week!