Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

This Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo is the kind of comfort food that instantly makes dinner exciting. Creamy sauce gets a fiery kick from homemade Cajun seasoning while juicy chicken and colorful peppers come together with tender pasta for a meal that feels both cozy and lively. I reach for this recipe on busy nights when the family is craving something bold and satisfying.

Every time I serve this I watch my spice-loving kids clean their plates and even the picky eaters ask for seconds. The homemade seasoning lets you control the heat so everyone is happy.

Ingredients

• Paprika: gives smoky warmth and vibrant color I reach for sweet Spanish paprika for the best flavor
• Garlic powder: layers deep flavor and is easy to keep in your pantry Choose finely ground powder
• Onion powder: offers sweetness and savoriness Use fresh powder rather than an old jar for best taste
• Dried oregano and dried thyme: bring herby notes supporting the Cajun blend Check freshness by rubbing a little between your fingers the aroma should be strong
• Cayenne pepper: provides the spicy kick If you like things milder use a bit less
• Black pepper and salt: allow you to balance flavors freshly ground pepper always wins
• Penne pasta: delivers the perfect bite and holds onto the creamy sauce Look for bronze-cut pasta for great texture
• Olive oil and unsalted butter: make the base for sautéing I like to blend both for richness and a silky finish
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cook up quickly and stay tender when sliced thin Select bright moist fillets
• Small onion and bell peppers: bring sweetness color and crunch I love red and green for that classic look and flavor
• Fresh garlic: gives big savory flavor I mince it fine for even distribution
• Heavy cream: creates the silkiest sauce possible go for real cream not a substitute
• Grated Parmesan cheese: thickens the sauce and delivers a salty tang Always grate your own for a smooth melt
• Extra salt and black pepper: for finishing layers
• Chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan: for garnish These add freshness and a pop of color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cajun Seasoning:

Combine the paprika garlic powder onion powder dried oregano dried thyme cayenne pepper black pepper and salt in a small bowl Stir well so the spices are evenly distributed and set aside

Cook the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a full boil Add a generous pinch of salt Then add penne and cook according to the package directions until the pasta is just al dente Drain thoroughly and set aside

Season the Chicken:

Lay out sliced chicken breasts on a plate Sprinkle with one and a half teaspoons of your prepared Cajun seasoning Pat it in gently to encourage all those spices to stick

Brown the Chicken:

In a large skillet heat olive oil and butter over medium-high When hot but not smoking add chicken pieces Spread them out into a single layer Cook for about four to five minutes turning occasionally until the chicken is golden and cooked through Transfer chicken to a plate and keep nearby

Sauté Onions and Peppers:

Back in the same skillet add the diced onion and both red and green bell peppers Use the leftover flavorful oil and butter Cook stirring for three to four minutes until the peppers begin to soften and sweeten

Add Garlic and Spice:

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute until you start to smell a rich savory aroma Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and stir so every veggie is coated

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream while stirring Bring it up to a gentle simmer and keep it that way for about five minutes Stir now and then as the sauce thickens and bubbles softly

Bring Everything Together:

Return the browned chicken and cooked penne to the skillet Toss everything so chicken and pasta get fully coated in spiced cream Stir in the grated Parmesan it will melt and help thicken the sauce Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon creamy pasta into bowls Top with more chopped parsley and a scatter of fresh Parmesan for an inviting finish serve right away

Pin

Red bell pepper is my favorite here its sweetness makes every bite pop and brings out childhood memories of colorful weeknight dinners I remember the first time my daughter helped me chop peppers for this dish she giggled at the bright colors and begged to taste a slice raw

Storage Tips

Once cooled transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce which thickens in the fridge This dish also freezes well but the texture of the sauce may get a bit thicker when thawed and reheated

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use rotini or fettuccine instead of penne in a pinch Boneless thighs are a fine swap for breasts and give a richer flavor For a lighter version try half and half in place of full cream and add an extra squeeze of lemon at the end If you run out of fresh garlic increase the garlic powder just a touch

Serving Suggestions

This is a meal on its own but I love serving alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce Steamed broccoli fits right in too For an extra Southern touch you could offer cornmeal muffins on the side

Pin

Cultural and Historical Context

Cajun seasoning celebrates the rustic spicy flavors of Southern Louisiana where families have blended French and Southern cooking for generations This pasta dish is a fun twist on traditional alfredo fusing creamy Italian roots with bold Southern spice My extended family is Cajun on one side and Italian on the other so this classic mashup always feels like a celebration at our table

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is Cajun Chicken Alfredo?

The dish carries a gentle heat from cayenne and black pepper, but you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

→ Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Penne works well but rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti can be substituted for a similar result.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Simmer the heavy cream gently and avoid overly high heat when adding the Parmesan, stirring continuously until smooth.

→ What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Onions, red and green bell peppers add sweetness and color, but mushrooms or spinach can be added for variety.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce.

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

Shrimp or turkey breast make excellent alternatives, cooked with the same Cajun spice blend for similar flavor.