Print

Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Penne

creamy one-pot Cajun chicken Alfredo penne - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot meal combining smoky Cajun-spiced chicken with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and tender penne pasta. Perfect for cozy dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: ½ cup sliced mushrooms
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: dairy-free milk or cream alternatives

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium, add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and optional sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and mushrooms soften.
  4. Add uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Pasta should be tender but not mushy.
  5. Remove lid, stir in heavy cream and browned chicken. Simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken is cooked through. Add a splash of broth or cream if sauce is too thick.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice if desired.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting. Adjust cream at the end to avoid curdling. For gluten-free, substitute penne with gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use coconut or cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo penne, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning, comfort food

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-alfredo-penne-recipe-easy-and-perfect/