Dive into the bold flavors of this Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli, a dish that combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe balances the heat of Cajun spices with the creamy, cheesy texture of classic Alfredo. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to spice up their pasta night with something uniquely delicious and satisfying.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli: Creamy, Spicy, and Utterly Delicious
Prepare your taste buds for a fusion of flavors that bring both comfort and excitement to your dinner table.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serving: 4 servings
Equipment: Large pot, skillet, oven
Recipe Title: Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
- Salt
- 1 pound penne or other small pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
- 2-3 tablespoons homemade Cajun seasoning (see notes for recipe)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Wisconsin parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°F to keep the chicken warm later.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain, reserving the cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Return the cooking water to a boil. Add the broccoli and boil until bright green and just tender, about 2 minutes. Immediately plunge the broccoli into ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil until shimmering. Sauté the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet, cover with foil, and keep warm in the oven.
- Make the Sauce: Wipe the skillet with a paper towel and return to medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the white wine and simmer until the sauce is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the cream and continue to simmer until slightly thickened, another 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold in the parmesan cheese into the sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Add the reserved pasta and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the blanched broccoli over the pasta. Top with the warm Cajun-seasoned chicken and garnish with additional parmesan cheese.
Notes:
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Mix 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 1/2 tbsp black pepper, 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tbsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tbsp onion powder.
- Preparation Tips: Pasta and broccoli can be prepared in advance. Refresh pasta in hot water and keep broccoli in cold water in the fridge.
This Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli is not just a meal but a delightful experience. The combination of spicy Cajun chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce makes it a perfect dish for those who love a little heat with their comfort food. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal with family or friends and savor every spicy, creamy bite!
