One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

If you love creamy, spicy dishes that come together with minimal fuss, then you’re going to absolutely adore this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, smoky sausage, decadent Alfredo sauce, and just the right kick of Cajun seasoning—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a comforting weeknight hero that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe is in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in elevating the final dish. From the creamy richness of heavy cream to the smoky depth of sausage, every component brings something special to the table.

• 4 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a perfect base for browning the chicken and sausage while adding subtle fruity notes.
• 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces: The main protein that soaks up all the creamy, spicy flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Delivers a mild heat that complements the Cajun spices.
• 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced on the diagonal: Adds a smoky, savory dimension and some textural contrast.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
• 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pasta tender and brings a light savory base for the sauce.
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream: The soul of any Alfredo recipe, ensuring that luxurious creaminess.
• 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked: The hearty vessel for all those bold flavors to cling to.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste: Provides that signature Louisiana-inspired kick that makes this recipe shine.
• 4 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more as needed: Offers nutty, salty notes that melt into the sauce perfectly.
• Italian parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.

How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken until it’s nicely golden on all sides. This step is crucial because it locks in the flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful texture that will stand out in the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Add Sausage

Next, toss in the sliced smoked sausage. Let it cook until it’s lightly browned and releases its smoky, rich aroma. The sausage adds a seriously delicious layer of flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and spices.

Step 3: Cook Aromatics

Time to wake up the taste buds by stirring in the minced garlic. Cook it for about two minutes until fragrant but not browned—that way, it infuses the whole dish without turning bitter.

Step 4: Add Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, uncooked penne pasta, and the Cajun seasoning. This is where the magic happens because the pasta will cook right in the sauce, absorbing all those bold, spicy, and creamy flavors.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick and cooks evenly in the sauce. You want the pasta tender and the sauce thick and velvety.

Step 6: Finish

Once the pasta is perfect, remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding that irresistible cheesy richness. Then, sprinkle chopped Italian parsley on top and taste—add more Cajun seasoning if you want that extra punch of spice!

How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley really brightens up this dish visually and adds a fresh note to balance the richness. For an extra touch, grate more Parmesan on top or add a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky undertones.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you want to add some crunch and color, crisp green beans sautéed with a bit of garlic or a fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette are excellent choices. Crusty bread also pairs wonderfully to mop up the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe over creamy mashed potatoes or spoon it onto a bed of roasted vegetables. You can also bake it briefly with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust if you love that baked pasta charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills but a quick reheat with a splash of milk or broth will bring it back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but because of the heavy cream and pasta, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. To restore the creamy texture of your One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe, add a splash of chicken broth or milk as needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works perfectly because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.

Is the Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning typically delivers a medium level of heat with a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices. You can adjust the amount to your preference—start with less and add more if you like it spicier.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?

You could try substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use vegan Parmesan cheese. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and creamy.

Is it possible to cook the chicken and sausage separately?

Yes, but cooking them together in one pot helps blend the flavors and reduces cleanup time, which is part of what makes this recipe so special and convenient.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?

Be sure to stir the pasta regularly during the simmering phase and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Also, the liquid should just cover the pasta to help it cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe is pure comfort and flavor in a bowl, perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become such a beloved favorite. Your taste buds will thank you!

One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a spicy Cajun kick all cooked together in a rich Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect hearty meal for busy weeknights that requires minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

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Proteins

• 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced on the diagonal

Pantry & Dairy

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
• 4 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more as needed

Garnish

• Italian parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken until it’s nicely seared on all sides.
2. Add Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook together with the chicken until the sausage is lightly browned and fragrant.
3. Cook Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about two minutes to release its flavor, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, heavy cream, uncooked penne pasta, and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything to combine well.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
6. Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until melted into the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning by adding more Cajun seasoning if desired. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley before serving.

Notes

• This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture at its peak.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the sausage diagonally to maximize flavor and presentation.
• For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or opt for a Cajun blend with less heat.
• You can substitute penne with other sturdy pasta shapes such as rigatoni or fusilli.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun