Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a spicy Cajun kick in a rich Alfredo sauce. Prepared in a single pot, it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup while delivering bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced on the diagonal
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more as needed
Dry Goods & Spices
- 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 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 cooked through and slightly golden on the edges.
- Add Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot with the chicken. Cook together until the sausage is lightly browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about two minutes, until the garlic becomes aromatic but not burnt, to build the flavor base.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the uncooked penne pasta and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
- Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and well distributed. Add chopped Italian parsley and additional Cajun seasoning to taste for an extra flavorful kick. Serve immediately garnished with more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta during simmering; check for al dente texture after 15 minutes.
- If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Using low-sodium broth allows you to control saltiness better while still maintaining flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
