Let me tell you about this One Skillet Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with bold flavors that totally hit the spot. I love how everything cooks in one pan—less mess, more yum!
If you’re craving a quick, comforting meal with a little kick, this recipe is just right. It comes together fast and brings that rich, cheesy Alfredo taste with a spicy twist. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying.
I’m excited for you to try it and see how easy and delicious dinner can be. Ready to cook up some magic?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Delicious: All the flavor of Cajun spices blended with creamy Alfredo sauce in one skillet.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes with minimal prep and one-pan cooking.
- Perfect Weeknight Meal: A hearty dish that fills you up without complicated steps.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it milder or spicier.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good reheated for next-day lunches or dinners.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings:
Makes about 4 servings — enough for a family dinner or leftovers.
Difficulty:
Easy to medium. Great for home cooks with some basic kitchen experience.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Colander (for draining pasta)
Ingredients for One Skillet Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, spicy chicken pasta (exact measurements in the recipe card below):
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Cajun seasoning: A mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs to bring heat and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to add aroma and depth.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps make the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce, making it rich and creamy.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice: Cooked right in the skillet for ease.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes: For extra heat if you like it spicier.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish and a pop of freshness.
Variations for One Skillet Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Use Shrimp Instead of Chicken: Swap chicken for peeled shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook shrimp until just pink and tender.
- Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can add color and nutrition. Sauté them along with the chicken.
- Mild Version: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes for less heat.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Use Different Pasta: Try penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta for variety.
How to Make One Skillet Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Seasonings
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Toss the pieces in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Cook Garlic and Build Flavor
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Lower the heat to medium, then add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
4. Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add uncooked fettuccine pasta in a single layer if possible. Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed (about 15 minutes). Add a splash of water if pasta looks dry.
5. Return Chicken to Skillet
Once the pasta is nearly cooked and the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Spice
Taste the sauce and add salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning as needed. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes a little at a time until it reaches your preferred spice level.
8. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve One Skillet Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
This creamy, spicy pasta pairs well with:
- A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables on the side to balance richness.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor; pre-grated cheese often has additives that affect texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure even browning.
- Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the spice gradually; Cajun seasoning can vary in heat.
- Let the dish rest for a minute before serving to thicken the sauce slightly.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
One Skillet Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Course: Chicken Recipes4
servings15
minutes25
minutes650
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir to combine. Add uncooked pasta, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens (about 15 minutes).
- Return chicken to skillet and stir to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning and add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
One Skillet Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and best texture.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine or linguine works well, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The Cajun seasoning gives moderate heat. Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it milder or spicier.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Conclusion
I’ve used these ingredients to make a delicious, creamy, and spicy Cajun chicken Alfredo that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. This one-skillet meal is perfect for weeknights and can be adjusted to suit your heat preference. Give it a try for a comforting dinner that feels special but comes together quickly.