Nina Johnson
When it comes to cozy, soul-satisfying meals, One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo sits right at the top. This creamy, spicy, and indulgent dish is packed with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, silky pasta, and a luxurious cheese sauce that clings to every bite. Best part? It all comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and the flavor even more concentrated.
The beauty of this dish lies in the harmony between smoky spices and rich dairy, creating a flavor explosion with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it up for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like it took hours—but takes under 30 minutes.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Fettuccine is a go-to for this dish because it holds onto the creamy Alfredo sauce like a champ. However, penne or linguine can also work well, especially if you’re looking for easier serving or quicker cooking time. Just avoid delicate types like angel hair, which tend to break down in one-pot methods.
Ingredients for the One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Breast: This lean protein cooks up quickly and absorbs the Cajun spices perfectly.
Cajun Seasoning: It’s the flavor foundation of this recipe, adding just the right amount of heat and depth.
Butter & Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and forming a flavor base in the pot.
Garlic: A must for aromatic depth and a delicious savory backbone.
Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds savory richness to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The base of our Alfredo sauce, making it lusciously creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings the salty, nutty goodness that defines Alfredo.
Fettuccine Pasta: Cooked right in the sauce, soaking up all those bold flavors.
Parsley: A fresh, herby garnish that balances the richness.
Salt & Pepper: To fine-tune the seasoning to your taste.
How To Make the One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season diced chicken breast generously with Cajun seasoning. Add to the pot and sear until golden on the outside and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Base
In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use it to scrape up all those flavorful bits from the bottom.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Simmer
Add fettuccine directly into the pot with the broth. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Chicken
Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and fold everything together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of freshness. Serve hot, straight from the pot for maximum comfort-food vibes.
How to Serve and Store One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Serve this pasta immediately while it’s creamy and hot. Pair with crusty bread or a light side salad to balance the richness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the saucy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time in Step 1 and just heat it through. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a gentle Cajun kick, but you can adjust the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version. Flavor will vary slightly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the creamy sauce, which can separate. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What other protein works in this recipe?
Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu can work great with Cajun seasoning and Alfredo sauce.
Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?
If you love this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo, you might also enjoy:
- Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sauteed Garlic Butter Chicken
- Cream Cheese Chicken for a rich, tangy spin.
- Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls when you’re craving fresh and healthy.
- Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for bold, buttery flavor.
- One Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta if you love ranch with your heat.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use shrimp instead? Add more spice? Maybe sneak in some spinach?
I love seeing your takes on these recipes. Drop your feedback, questions, or tweaks—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
A creamy, spicy one-pot pasta dinner packed with bold Cajun flavor, tender chicken, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce. Easy enough for weeknights, indulgent enough for guests.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz fettuccine pasta
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Add fettuccine and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Stir occasionally until pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Return cooked chicken to the pot and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.
