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Flavorful Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Cajun chicken Alfredo - featured image

A creamy and spicy Cajun chicken Alfredo pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This dish combines smoky chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced into strips
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 g), plus extra for serving
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry the chicken strips. Season evenly with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and allow to melt.
  5. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine with butter and garlic. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Gradually whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  8. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  9. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a velvety consistency.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
  12. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together gently but thoroughly.
  13. Warm through for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  14. Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce thickens too much while standing, stir in a splash of warm milk or pasta water to loosen it up. Avoid burning the garlic by stirring quickly once fragrant. Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken Alfredo, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy weeknight dinner, spicy Alfredo sauce, fettuccine recipe