Indulge in a pasta dish that combines zesty Cajun spiced chicken with alfredo pasta tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Every mouthful is bursting with flavor, offering a comforting and bold experience.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- Dried fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
- Unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- Cream cheese, at room temperature
- Milk (whole or 2%)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken tenderloins
- Cajun seasoning
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. You can use short pastas like penne or rigatoni, but long pastas are recommended for this recipe.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken tenderloins generously with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, melt some butter and cook the chicken until fully cooked and juicy. Set aside. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or add shrimp for extra protein.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add in the cream cheese and melt it down. Gradually stir in milk until the mixture is smooth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the Alfredo sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you may add some pasta water to thin it out slightly. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta and enhances the texture.
Variations and Tips:
- Add vegetables like roasted squash or cauliflower to bulk up the dish and add a nutritional balance.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken entirely.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Bread: Complement the pasta with bread like Texas Roadhouse Rolls or Garlic Knots to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce.
- Salad: Serve with a refreshing side salad for a balanced meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted delicata squash, carrots, honeynut squash, or cauliflower make great side dishes.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For reheating, add a bit of chicken stock or water and reheat on the stovetop, using the liquid to loosen the sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta, loaded with creamy sauce, spicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta for a heartwarming meal.
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