One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo

If you’re craving a creamy, spicy pasta dish with minimal cleanup, this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is your new go-to meal. Combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a luscious Alfredo sauce infused with bold Cajun spices, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen—all made in a single pot. The beauty of this dish is how effortlessly the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of the rich, flavorful liquid, resulting in a perfect, creamy texture.

The Cajun seasoning adds a lively kick that pairs beautifully with the smoky sausage and savory chicken, while garlic and parmesan cheese deepen the richness of the sauce. Fresh Italian parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness, balancing out the hearty, comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One pot convenience means less cleanup and quick cooking.
2. Bold Cajun flavors give a spicy, smoky twist to classic Alfredo.
3. Creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly coats the pasta and proteins.
4. Hearty and filling with chicken, sausage, and penne pasta.
5. Customizable spice level — add more Cajun seasoning for extra heat.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Chicken (bite-sized pieces)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Smoked sausage (sliced diagonally)
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Penne pasta (uncooked)
• Cajun seasoning
• Freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• Italian parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Swap penne for fettuccine or rigatoni for different pasta textures.
• Use andouille sausage for a spicier, authentic Cajun flavor.
• Add bell peppers or onions sautéed with the chicken for extra veggies.
• Make it lighter by swapping heavy cream with half and half or whole milk.
• Add spinach or kale near the end for a boost of greens.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with kosher salt and black pepper, then add to the pot. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4

Add uncooked penne pasta and Cajun seasoning. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5

Return cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in freshly shredded parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Taste and add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if desired.

Step 6

Garnish with chopped Italian parsley before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use freshly shredded parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
• Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent clumping.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to suit your spice tolerance.
• Let the dish rest a few minutes off heat to thicken the sauce.
• Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness.

How to Serve

Serve this Cajun Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan on the side. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or rigatoni works well.

2. Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level that can be adjusted by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best reheated gently to preserve creaminess.

4. What can I substitute for smoked sausage?

Andouille sausage or kielbasa are great alternatives.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream and parmesan with dairy-free alternatives, but flavor and texture will differ.

6. Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add extra chicken broth or cream as needed while simmering or reheating.

8. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work great.

9. How do I store leftovers properly?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days.

10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add pre-cooked chicken in step 5 and heat through.

Conclusion

One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo combines bold Cajun spices with creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken and sausage in a convenient, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a flavorful dinner with minimal fuss, this dish offers satisfying comfort food with a spicy twist. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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