Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

Tender chicken is seasoned with classic Cajun spices and cooked until golden, then combined with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and penne pasta. Everything is coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce finished with parmesan cheese for a perfect balance of heat and comfort. The dish comes together in just half an hour, delivering bold, savory flavors ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for added freshness and a touch of elegance on your table.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:03:48 GMT
A bowl of pasta with chicken and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with chicken and vegetables. | gracefulflavors.com

This spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo blends smoky Cajun heat with creamy pasta, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly browned chicken for an easy weeknight meal that satisfies spicy and comfort food cravings all at once. Every bite is bold and cozy, making it a favorite for chilly nights or whenever you want something a little extra.

The first time I made this, I could not believe how fast and flavorful it turned out. Now I keep a little jar of homemade Cajun spice ready for nights when my family wants something mouthwatering and quick.

Ingredients

  • Paprika: gives the signature smoky Cajun color and flavor look for a deep red variety
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: create a savory backbone reach for fresh spices for best impact
  • Dried oregano and dried thyme: bring herbal earthiness crush a bit between your fingers before adding to release aroma
  • Cayenne pepper: adds that classic heat adjust to taste if you prefer milder spice
  • Black pepper and salt: round out the seasoning freshly ground is best
  • Penne pasta: short sturdy shape catches plenty of sauce cook just to al dente for perfect texture
  • Olive oil and unsalted butter: combine for rich flavor use good quality butter for creaminess
  • Chicken breasts: choose boneless and slice thin for fast even cooking go for plump and pink fresh chicken
  • Onion: finely diced for sweet aromatic base choose a firm and shiny onion
  • Red and green bell peppers: colorful and slightly sweet pick firm peppers with glossy skin
  • Garlic: minced to add sharpness and depth buy firm heavy cloves
  • Heavy cream: the creamy base of Alfredo sauce look for high quality with no additives
  • Parmesan cheese: salty nutty addition freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
  • Salt and black pepper: for seasoning taste before serving and adjust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Cajun Seasoning:
Combine paprika garlic powder onion powder dried oregano dried thyme cayenne pepper black pepper and salt in a small bowl mix thoroughly with a spoon and set aside Use your fingers to break up any lumps for even distribution
Cook Pasta:
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil Toss in a generous amount of salt and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until just al dente Stir occasionally to prevent sticking Drain and set aside in a colander
Brown the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat Once hot but not smoking season the sliced chicken breasts generously with about a tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning Add chicken to the pan in a single layer Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through Remove chicken to a plate keeping the drippings in the pan
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet over medium heat add chopped onion and sliced bell peppers Stir often and cook until onions become soft and translucent and peppers are just tender about 4 minutes You want the vegetables softened but still vibrant
Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Scatter minced garlic over the veggies and cook about a minute stirring constantly until fragrant Pour in the remaining Cajun seasoning and toss to coat the mixture well This builds a spicy flavor base
Simmer the Cream Sauce:
Lower the heat slightly and pour heavy cream into the skillet Stir well scraping up any brown bits from the bottom Simmer gently for around 5 minutes allowing the sauce to thicken and absorb the Cajun spices Be careful not to boil
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained penne pasta Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pan stirring until it melts and the dish looks silky If the sauce thickens too much add a splash of reserved pasta water
Serve and Garnish:
Spoon the hot pasta into bowls and finish with extra Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley Serve right away for best creaminess
A bowl of pasta with chicken and tomatoes. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with chicken and tomatoes. | gracefulflavors.com

I always reach for freshly grated Parmesan because it melts in a way no store shredded cheese can. My kids’ favorite part is swirling the pasta ribbons to pick up every drop of the spicy creamy sauce after a long day.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of milk or water and warm gently on the stove top which keeps the sauce creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap penne for fettuccine or rotini if you have those on hand. Can use shrimp or turkey breast instead of chicken just watch the cooking time so they do not dry out.

Serving Suggestions

This rich pasta goes beautifully with a simple side salad made from crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette or steamed broccoli. Garlic bread is always popular and soaks up the zesty sauce perfectly.

A bowl of pasta with chicken and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with chicken and vegetables. | gracefulflavors.com

Cajun Pasta’s Roots

Though Alfredo is originally Italian Cajun seasoning is a proud Southern staple bringing the spice and warmth of Louisiana to this classic creamy dish. Meals like this blend traditions and make any dinner table feel inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is this dish?

The level of heat depends on the amount of cayenne in the Cajun seasoning. You can customize the spice to match your preference by adjusting the cayenne pepper.

→ Can a different pasta be used?

Absolutely! Penne works great, but fettuccine or rigatoni also pair well with the creamy sauce and chicken.

→ How do I keep the sauce creamy?

Avoid overheating the cream and add the parmesan gradually off the heat to prevent the sauce from splitting or becoming grainy.

→ What vegetables work well in this dish?

Bell peppers add sweetness and color, while onions and garlic deepen the flavor. You can also add mushrooms or spinach if desired.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, gently reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Try using dairy-free cream and vegan parmesan alternatives for a similar rich texture and flavor with no dairy.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Cajun-seasoned chicken and bell peppers tossed in creamy Alfredo pasta for bold, satisfying flavor.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Cajun Seasoning

01 2 teaspoons paprika
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Main Ingredients

09 10.5 ounces penne pasta
10 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
13 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
14 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
15 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
16 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 1 cup heavy cream
18 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 Salt, to taste
20 Black pepper, to taste

→ To Serve (Optional)

21 Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
22 Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 02

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously, add penne, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

Season sliced chicken breasts with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the prepared Cajun seasoning.

Step 04

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 05

In the same skillet, add diced onion and sliced red and green bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 06

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning.

Step 07

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cream thickens slightly.

Step 08

Return cooked chicken and add cooked penne to the skillet. Mix well to ensure pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.

Step 09

Taste and adjust with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Divide among bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  1. To intensify the smoky flavor, lightly toast the Cajun seasoning in a dry pan before using.
  2. Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and milk products
  • Contains wheat (gluten)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 505
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 44 g