Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Featured in: Comfort Cravings

This dish features succulent chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, pan-seared to golden perfection. It's served atop perfectly cooked fettuccine enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce made creamy with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. Smoked paprika and chili flakes add a smoky warmth, perfectly balanced by fresh parsley and extra cheese. This meal blends American spice with Italian-inspired creaminess for a satisfying plate full of layered flavors.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:42:00 GMT
Tender Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo served in a bowl, showcasing the creamy sauce and fresh herbs. Save
Tender Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo served in a bowl, showcasing the creamy sauce and fresh herbs. | sugarprairie.com

A bold, creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken tossed with fettuccine in a rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for spice lovers.

I first made this Cajun chicken Alfredo for a family dinner when we craved something spicy and comforting. The result was an instant hit that quickly became our go-to pasta night request.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine
  • Alfredo Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat), salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Garnishes: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook Pasta:
Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, pat chicken breasts dry and coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning.
Sear Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Prepare Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Finish Sauce:
Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time for a silkier sauce.
Serve:
Top pasta with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
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Even picky eaters in our family ask for seconds whenever I serve this Cajun chicken Alfredo. Its spicy kick creates memorable moments around our dinner table.

Required Tools

You will need a large pot, large skillet, tongs, chefs knife, cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons for this recipe.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy from cream, butter, and Parmesan plus gluten in fettuccine. Cajun seasoning may have other allergens, so always check ingredient labels.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 610. Total Fat: 27 g. Carbohydrates: 54 g. Protein: 38 g.

A close-up of a flavorful Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta tonight! Save
A close-up of a flavorful Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta tonight! | sugarprairie.com

Enjoy this bold Cajun chicken Alfredo for any spicy pasta craving. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make dinner unforgettable.

Kitchen Help

How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and avoid overcooking by searing until golden and cooked through, then letting it rest before slicing.

Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, increase or reduce Cajun seasoning and chili flakes to suit your preferred heat level.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Fettuccine is ideal, but penne or linguine can be substituted without sacrificing texture or sauce coverage.

How can the sauce be made silkier?

Add reserved pasta water a little at a time while tossing the pasta to reach a smooth, creamy consistency.

What garnishes enhance this meal?

Fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan add brightness and depth to the flavors.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Tender chicken spiced with Cajun seasoning in creamy Alfredo sauce over fettuccine pasta.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Comfort Cravings

Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines None specified

Components

Chicken

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
03 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta

01 12 ounces fettuccine

Alfredo Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
04 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100 g)
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
02 Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Method steps

Phase 01

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Phase 02

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and evenly coat with Cajun seasoning.

Phase 03

Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and golden. Remove and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Phase 04

Make Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 05

Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer gently, then whisk in Parmesan until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Phase 06

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat completely. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Phase 07

Assemble and Serve: Top pasta with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cream, butter, Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (fettuccine)
  • May contain mustard or celery in Cajun seasoning
  • Check labels for potential allergen cross-contamination

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 610
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 38 g