Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and creamy Alfredo sauce infused with bold Cajun spices for a quick and flavorful meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this hearty pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights and serves the whole family with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced on the diagonal
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Italian parsley for garnish
Liquids
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked
- 4 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Brown the chicken pieces until they are golden on all sides but not completely cooked through.
- Add Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot with the chicken. Cook them together until the sausage slices are lightly browned, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Cook Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook everything for about two minutes. This will release the garlic’s fragrance and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the uncooked penne pasta. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
- Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add chopped Italian parsley and additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less thick.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheese, enhancing the creaminess.
