Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta, a dish that combines tender strips of Cajun-seasoned chicken with a luscious Alfredo sauce reminiscent of your favorite restaurants. This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate seafood lovers or vegetarians, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. With a harmonious blend of spices and herbs, this pasta dish is bursting with flavor and will surely impress your family and friends at the dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 (cut into thin strips)
cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons (for coating chicken)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
green onion
1 (sliced)
heavy cream
1-2 cups (to desired creaminess)
dried basil
1/4 teaspoon
lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon
pepper
1/8 teaspoon
linguine
4 ounces (cooked and drained)
grated parmesan cheese
to taste (optional for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by marinating the thinly sliced chicken breast halves with Cajun seasoning in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and nearly tender.
3
Stir in the sliced green onions, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
4
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the dried basil, lemon-pepper seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to heat through, letting it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5
After the sauce has thickened, add the cooked linguine to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy sauce and chicken mixture.
6
Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
It is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender strips of Cajun-seasoned chicken with a luscious Alfredo sauce and linguine pasta.
How should I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
The boneless skinless chicken breast halves should be cut into thin strips and marinated with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
What seasoning is used to coat the chicken?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to coat the chicken strips.
What can I use to sauté the chicken?
You can use either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine to sauté the chicken in a large skillet.
How long does it take to sauté the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it is cooked through and nearly tender.
When should I add the green onions?
Stir in the sliced green onions after the chicken has cooked for 5 to 7 minutes, then cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
What type of cream is used for the Alfredo sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 cups of heavy cream, depending on your desired level of creaminess.
What dried herbs are included in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder to season the sauce.
Does the sauce have a citrus note?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of lemon-pepper seasoning to add a bright and peppery flavor.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The sauce requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?
Lower the heat to medium-low after adding the cream and spices, then let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 4 ounces of cooked and drained linguine.
When do I add the pasta to the dish?
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet once the sauce has thickened, then toss gently to coat.
What should I garnish the pasta with?
You can garnish the dish with grated parmesan cheese to taste before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can be adapted for vegetarians by omitting the chicken.
Is it possible to add seafood to this dish?
Yes, this Cajun Alfredo recipe is suitable for seafood lovers and can be modified to include shrimp or other seafood.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe.
What makes the chicken spicy?
The spiciness comes from the Cajun seasoning used to coat the chicken strips before sautéing.
What heat setting should I use to cook the sauce?
The sauce should be simmered gently over medium-low heat to prevent burning and allow it to thicken.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, the rich, creamy sauce and pasta combination classify this dish as a classic comfort food.
Should the chicken be marinated?
Yes, the instructions suggest marinating the chicken strips in a bowl or bag with Cajun seasoning for even coating.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken is described as tender strips that are sautéed until cooked through.
How much linguine do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of linguine, which should be cooked and drained before use.
Can I adjust the creaminess?
Yes, you can use between 1 and 2 cups of heavy cream to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
What is the total preparation time for the onions?
The green onions are cooked for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried basil?
This specific recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil.
Is this dish similar to restaurant-style Alfredo?
Yes, the description notes that the luscious Alfredo sauce is reminiscent of your favorite restaurants.
What type of chicken breast is used?
The recipe uses 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.