Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (2024)

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ByTrisha HaasPublished: Updated:

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Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creole kick tossed with fresh linguini for a delicious spicy weeknight meal that fills you up. Dish this pasta recipe up with your favorite side dish for a perfect under 30 minute recipe that make your taste buds dance!

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (1)

Creamy Homemade Parmesan Alfredo

I pretty much believe that pasta with any dish makes it infinitely more tasty. This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a perfect EASY meal for any night of the week. Packed full of flavor, the spicy Cajun seasoning lights up your tongue while the cheese soothes it back down.

Now the homemade Alfredo sauce, made from simple whole whipping cream and Parmesan cheese, isn’t an Alfredo sauce that can overpower the final flavor. This is a lighter version focusing on the whipping cream, Parmesan and spices. If you are looking for a really thick cheesy creamy Alfredo version that smothers all your pasta, you can always make this Alfredo sauce recipe and mix spices in with your pasta prior to dumping this Cajun chicken on top. Just note that if you do more of a traditional Alfredo sauce recipe, it will likely tame down most spices as its heavier on the cheese.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Perfect to make for date night, family night, or any night, this is a super filling recipe that meets all your favorite food food groups- chicken, pasta, and cheese!

  • 8 ounces linguine pasta, cooked and kept warm
  • 1 lb chicken breast, defrosted, raw and cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun (or Adobo) seasoning*
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • (OPTIONAL) 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • (OPTIONAL) chopped green onions
  • (OPTIONAL) Sun Dried Tomatoes – I used half a 7 oz jar of the sun dried tomatoes. I don’t know if a 3.5 oz jar exists. I drained the oil and then tossed in the tomatoes after the chicken was made.

Pre-made Cajun Spices

You can create your own Cajun spices, which typically consist of chili pepper, cayenne, garlic, cumin, onion and often oregano. Unfortunately I do not have a recipe for that on my blog yet. However if you purchase a pre-made spice like I do, my favorite Cajun seasoning brand is this Zataran’s creole seasoningCajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (2). Zatarans seasoning is a mix of garlic, paprika, red pepper, salt, and onion. Just don’t get too careless until you know what kind of kick you want because everyone’s idea of Cajun can be a little different!

Types of Pasta Perfect for Alfredo

When you cook a pasta dinner there really are a lot of varieties to choose from. Pasta shape changes the flavors as different thicknesses and shapes hold sauce differently. Pasta shapes that work well for this chicken dish are:

  • Fettuccine
  • Thin Spaghetti
  • Penne
  • Linguine
  • Angel Hair (thinner, be careful not to add too much sauce to weigh it down, but it is great)
  • Zoodles– Love Cajun Chicken but need a break on the pasta carbs? Try serving this up with zoodles, which are zucchini noodles!

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (3)

How to make a light Spicy Chicken Alfredo

  1. First prep your pasta per instructions on the box.
  2. Heat oil in cast iron pan and lightly season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add chicken in a skillet over medium heat, until seared on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add spices and seasoning.
  5. Stir in whole whipping cream and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and heat for 2-3 minutes, making sure sauce forms (see variation of using cream cheese below, this would be where you added that cheese if you wanted to)
  6. Serve your Chicken and Alfredo mixture on top of fresh cooked pasta.
  7. Feel free to top with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions.
  8. Note: If you dump your sauce and chicken directly on pasta it can hit the bottom of the plate. Its always good to pour into a bowl with your pasta and toss gently prior to serving to make sure that all your pasta is covered equally.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (4)

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Variations

  • Toss in half a block of cream cheese to this dish and melt down and mix. This gives a super creamy version to your chicken
  • A little color never heart anyone, so feel free to dice up some red bell peppers or sun dried tomatoes (like I did) in this dish
  • Not everyone in my family is a fan of onions so I often use onion powder when I make for the kids, however when I am just cooking a recipe for my spouse and I, I like to throw in a few diced white onions for extra kick
  • Change up your chicken for shrimp or freshly sliced Andouille Sausage . Blacked salmon also is wonderful with Cajun pasta.
  • Thicken the sauce? If you want to thicken this sauce up, you can just add more Parmesan cheese or a mixture of 1 tsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup water to the sauce (combine before dumping into the sauce to prevent lumps). When you add cornstarch, it (like flour) thickens the sauce with heat.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (5)

Side Dishes for Chicken Alfredo

Every time I cook pasta like this Cajun chicken Alfredo, I like to have something green on the side. Pasta and chicken are kinda a boring bland look so it helps to serve veggies like broccoli or green beans. Plus you feel less guilty for all those carbs! Simple side salads with Caesar dressing are also a great addition. If you are feeling extra brave, add some rolls to the side to sop up the sauce (hey, we all have to live a little).

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (6)

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Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Linguini Pasta

Author Trisha Haas - Salty Side Dish


Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creole kick tossed with fresh linguine for a delicious spicy weeknight meal that fills you up. Dish this recipe up with your favorite side dish for a perfect under 30 minute recipe that you will put on rotation every month.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces linguine pasta cooked and kept warm
  • 1 lb chicken breast defrosted, raw and cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun or Adobo seasoning*
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • OPTIONAL 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • OPTIONAL chopped green onions
  • OPTIONAL Sun Dried Tomatoes - I used half a 7 oz jar of the sun dried tomatoes. I don't know if a 3.5 oz jar exists. I drained the oil and then tossed in the tomatoes after the chicken was made.

Instructions

  • First prep your pasta per instructions on the box.

  • Heat oil in cast iron pan and lightly season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Add chicken in a skillet over medium heat, until seared on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

  • Add spices and seasoning.

  • Stir in whole whipping cream and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and heat for 2-3 minutes so sauce heats and thickens.

  • Serve your Chicken and Alfredo sauce mixture on top of fresh cooked pasta.

  • Top with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions if wanted

  • Note on Pasta and Sauce Assembly: If you dump your sauce and chicken directly on pasta it can hit the bottom of the plate. Its always good to pour into a bowl with your pasta and toss gently prior to serving to make sure that all your pasta is covered equally.

Notes

See full post to see pasta, sauce, and protein variations

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 486mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g

Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.

Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.

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5 from 1 votes

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (7)

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Linguine Pasta (2024)

FAQs

How can I spice up my chicken alfredo? ›

A few seasonings can go a long way when making Chicken Alfredo. In fact, we only use four seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In a pinch, using only salt and pepper will still deliver delicious results.

What sides to serve with cajun pasta? ›

This cajun pasta is quick, easy, and completely customizable! Serve it with Homemade Breadsticks, Rolls, a Salad, or a side of Roasted Vegetables.

When should you add alfredo sauce to pasta? ›

Cook the pasta as you would normally. Then, heat your sauce over medium heat and add your pasta in the same pan. Stir and cook the pasta and sauce for 3 minutes.

What's the difference between chicken alfredo and fettuccine alfredo? ›

The difference is that chicken alfredo is made with a creamy sauce while chicken fettuccine can be made with any kind of sauce, creamy or otherwise.

What can I add to jar Alfredo to make it taste better? ›

Heartier herbs like thyme or oregano can be added in to simmer with the sauce. Add delicate herbs like parsley, basil, or chervil at the end to maintain their delicate, aromatic flavor. Quick tip: Swirl in a bit of leftover pesto to add another herbaceous twist to your Alfredo sauce.

What can I add to a jar of Alfredo sauce to make it better? ›

Seasonings, spices, and fresh herbs: this is definitely a great way to give your Alfredo sauce a more personal flavor. The most obvious choice is black pepper, but you can also add parsley and thyme, or dried herbs like oregano.

What is the most famous Cajun dish? ›

What are the most popular Cajun foods?
  • Jambalaya. Jambalaya is a hallmark of Cajun cuisine, a one-pot dish that combines rice with a variety of meats and vegetables. ...
  • Crawfish Etouffee. ...
  • Gumbo. ...
  • Red Beans and Rice. ...
  • Shrimp Creole. ...
  • Boudin. ...
  • Po' Boy Sandwich. ...
  • Muffuletta.
Mar 13, 2024

What are 3 traditionally Cajun meals? ›

7 Popular Cajun Cuisines You Need to Try
  • Gumbo. Gumbo is one of the favorite stews among Cajun enthusiasts. ...
  • Etouffee. A ubiquitous Cajun cuisine, etouffee is made using a popular cooking method known as smothering. ...
  • Jambalaya. ...
  • Crawfish Boil. ...
  • Boudin Sausage. ...
  • Alligator. ...
  • Corn Maque Choux. ...
  • Bottom-Line.

Do you rinse pasta before adding Alfredo sauce? ›

Do not rinse your pasta. The only time you should rinse your pasta in cold water is when you plan on creating a cold pasta dish or pasta salad. Rinsing the pasta will cool it down quickly and prevent the noodles from sticking. Rinsing pasta removes the starches necessary for the sauce to stick.

How much linguine for 2 people? ›

How Much Pasta to Make Per Person
Type of PastaUncooked Amount Per Person
Egg Noodle1 cup/2 oz
Elbow Macaroni½ cup/2 oz
Fettuccine2 oz
Linguine2 oz
9 more rows
Jan 13, 2021

What pasta is best with Alfredo sauce? ›

As a general rule, pair the heartier sauces with the wider noodles: Wide ribbons like pappardelle pair well with rich, meaty sauces while the thinner flat noodles, like fettuccine or linguine, are best paired with simple cream sauces like Alfredo or delicate proteins like seafood.

Is Alfredo better with linguine or fettuccine? ›

Best served with: Wide, flat fettuccine is perfect for creamy sauces like lush, cheesy alfredo or a creamy tomato or vodka sauce—since the noodles have more surface area, it's easier for heavier sauces to adhere and make it to your mouth.

What can I use instead of fettuccine for chicken alfredo? ›

Ingredients for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo:

Fettuccini is the pasta of choice here but we've been known to swap with angel hair or vermicelli. You can use a variety of pastas.

What's the difference between fettuccine and linguine? ›

Linguine noodles are significantly narrower than fettuccine noodles. In general, fettuccine noodles are about twice as wide as linguine noodles. This means that fettuccine noodles should have an easier time holding on to the sauce as you roll them up. In contrast, linguine noodles are going to be a bit lighter.

What spices go well with Alfredo? ›

While Alfredo is rich and creamy, sometimes it can be a little bland. In addition to nutty Parmesan cheese, the recipe is seasoned with pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasonings, a pinch of red pepper flakes and a smidge each of nutmeg. The nutmeg adds a beautiful nutty warmth.

What spices should I add to my Alfredo sauce? ›

Traditional Alfredo is a simple white/cream sauce. It is made from butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. While the original style is great, I simply like to add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to make Alfredo sauce taste even better!

Why is my chicken alfredo bland? ›

Finally, taste the pasta before serving it. If it seems bland, chances are it just needs another hit of salt. You could also add additional punch by topping each plate with a hint of one of the ingredients in the dish—a couple of mint leaves, a sprinkling of chopped parsley, or a pinch of extra lemon zest.

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