Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken with a spicy Cajun kick, cooked all in one pot for a quick and easy meal. The fettuccini pasta absorbs the rich sauce made with chicken broth, half and half, and parmesan cheese, making for a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
Liquid and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccini pasta
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and half of the Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute to release its aroma and flavor into the chicken.
- Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and half and half. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together well.
- Add pasta and cook: Add the uncooked fettuccini pasta (breaking it in half is optional) to the pot and stir to combine with the liquids and seasonings. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a rapid boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent noodles from sticking, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to about ¼ inch at the bottom.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For spicier pasta, increase the Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Breaking the fettuccini pasta in half helps it fit better into the pot and cook evenly.
- Stirring frequently during pasta cooking prevents noodles from clumping and sticking to the bottom.
- You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for an even richer sauce or with milk for a lighter version.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but pasta may absorb more sauce and thicken.