Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Fettuccine is the perfect pasta choice for this dish as its wide, flat shape pairs wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo sauce. You can use other pasta shapes like penne or linguine if you prefer. - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
The chicken breasts are sliced into thin strips for quick cooking and better flavor absorption. Boneless, skinless breasts are ideal for a lean, tender protein. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy, smoky flavor to the chicken. If you prefer less heat, you can use mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. For a homemade Cajun blend, mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and salt. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and vegetables, adding richness to the dish. You can substitute with another cooking oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic is key to building the base flavor for the Alfredo sauce. You can use fresh garlic or substitute with pre-minced garlic, but fresh garlic always gives the best results. - 1 cup broccoli florets
Fresh broccoli adds a healthy crunch and a beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce. You can use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is unavailable—just be sure to thaw and drain them before use. - 1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream is the foundation of the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. It creates that luxurious texture that Alfredo is famous for. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is what gives the Alfredo sauce its distinctive, savory, and slightly nutty flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and give the sauce a creamier consistency compared to pre-shredded. - Salt and pepper
Essential for seasoning the dish and balancing the flavors. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. - Chopped parsley for garnish
Parsley adds a fresh, bright flavor and color contrast, making the dish even more appealing.
Instructions:
- Cook the Fettuccine:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside. To prevent the noodles from sticking together, you can toss them lightly with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Season the chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the 2 minced garlic cloves for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender-crisp, not mushy, so stir occasionally to avoid overcooking.
- If you want your broccoli more tender, you can add a splash of water and cover the skillet to steam it for 2 minutes.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic and broccoli.
- Slowly add the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the cream and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a bit of pasta water (about 1/4 cup at a time) to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked fettuccine pasta and cooked Cajun chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. You can also add a little more Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and creaminess at this stage.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the dish is thoroughly mixed and heated through, serve immediately.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- If desired, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Serving Suggestions:
This Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a hearty, satisfying meal on its own, but you can complement it with:
- Garlic Bread: A crusty, buttery garlic bread pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta and chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even a mix of root vegetables can add extra flavor and texture to the meal.
Tips for Success:
- Cooking the Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays juicy, avoid overcooking it. Once browned on the outside, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes in a Cajun seasoning mix for deeper flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, simply add a little pasta water or even some chicken broth to thin it out. Always add liquid gradually to control the consistency.
- Make it Spicier: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Make-Ahead: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then just reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve. This can make dinner prep much easier on busy nights!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Flavorful and Creamy: The rich, creamy Alfredo sauce is enhanced by the Cajun seasoning and perfectly balances the smoky, spicy chicken with the fresh crunch of broccoli.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes just about 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
- Perfectly Balanced: The Cajun-spiced chicken gives a zesty contrast to the creamy pasta, while the broccoli adds both flavor and texture.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer more spice, less cream, or a different veggie, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes.