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    Homepage » Recipes

    Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

    Published: Nov 8, 2020 · Modified: Nov 8, 2020 This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 36 Comments

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    Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

    Chili's Copycat Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe made from scratch! It is a restaurant-quality that you can make right at home!

    Cajun chicken alfredo pasta is one of my favorite things to order at Chili's restaurant. And today, I want to share how I make this Chili's pasta dish at home using only ingredients you probably already have on hand.

    This Chili's copycat cajun chicken pasta recipe is delicious! The Cajun chicken breast is so flavorful, juicy, and tender, while the homemade alfredo sauce is both creamy and silky smooth, and not at all gritty.

    Cajun Chicken Pasta

    What is Cajun Chicken Pasta

    It's a penne pasta dish served with creamy melt-in-your-mouth alfredo sauce and cajun chicken breast.

    Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

    The Ingredients to Make the Creamiest Penne Pasta with Chicken and Alfredo Sauce:

    To make this cajun chicken alfredo pasta, you will need only a few simple ingredients. Here's an overview of what you'll use:

    • Chicken breast. Find chicken breasts that aren't too big, 8-9 oz per piece is a perfect size.
    cajun seasoning recipe
    • Cajun seasoning. You can use store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning. In this recipe, I used this homemade cajun seasoning with no added salt.
    Penne Pasta
    • Penne pasta
    • Heavy whipping cream
    • Freshly grated parmesan cheese. Be sure to use fresh block parmesan cheese and grate it at home. Do not use pre-grated parmesan cheese, like from Kraft to avoid grainy alfredo sauce.
    • Fresh garlic
    • Unsalted butter
    • Lemon zest
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    Spicy Chicken Pasta

    CHECK OUT MORE PASTA RECIPES:

    • INSTANT POT PENNE PASTA
    • ONE-POT PENNE PASTA
    • CANNED TUNA PASTA
    • WHITE SAUCE PASTA
    • BRATWURST PASTA RECIPE (IN A BUTTERY BEER SAUCE)

    How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta:

    This cajun chicken pasta with alfredo sauce recipe is easy and very inexpensive to make. It requires multiple steps but not complicated. So, here are some important steps to follow:

    Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

    Step 1. Marinate the Chicken Breast

    • Trim any membranes or fat from the breasts with a knife.
    Flattened Chicken Breast
    • Working with 1 chicken breast at a time, place inside a gallon zip-top bag and seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, saucepan, or skillet to slightly flatten the breast to an even thickness from end to end, between ¼ to ½-inch.
    Chicken Breast with Cajun Seasoning
    • Season the chicken with 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt (skip the salt if you are using a store-bought cajun seasoning). Marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
    Cook Penne Pasta

    Step 2. Cook pasta according to package instructions

    Step 3. Cook Cajun Chicken Breast

    • To start, pre-heat a grill pan to high heat for about 3-5 minutes.
    • Next, lower the heat to medium-high and lightly grease the pan with oil or cooking spray.
    Grilled Chicken Breast
    • After that, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving until it developed nice grill marks.
    • Last, flip the chicken breast and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set aside and let it rest.

    Or you can bake the cajun chicken breast in the oven at 425° for about 15-18 minutes depending on the thickness or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

    Step 4. Make the Alfredo Sauce

    Perfect Alfredo sauce requires the right technique with the best ingredients. Make sure that you have everything ready before you start cooking. Also, use fresh parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded/grated cheese then bring it to temperature by letting it sit on the counter for 15 minutes.

    • First, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    • After that, gradually add heavy cream and lemon zest. Cook, continue whisking constantly for about 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
    creamy alfredo sauce
    • Next, reduce the heat to the lowest heat and slowly add freshly grated parmesan and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.
    Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

    I hope you will enjoy this creamy pasta recipe! If you try it, don’t forget to rate and leave a review on the recipe card/comment box below.

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    Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
    5 from 17 votes

    Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

    Rika
    This Chili’s copycat Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is delicious! The Cajun chicken breast is so flavorful, juicy, and tender, while the homemade alfredo sauce is both creamy and silky smooth, and not at all gritty.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 726 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 chicken breast, (8-9 oz each)
    • 1 tablespoon homemade cajun seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, (skip this if you are using store-bought cajun seasoning with salt added)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 8 oz penne pasta
    • finely grated lemon zest from a whole lemon

    For Alfredo Sauce

    • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese, (at room temperature)

    To serve:

    • chopped tomatoes
    • chopped green onion
    • a sprinkle of cajun seasoning

    Instructions
     

    • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (between ¼ to ½-inch).
    • Place the chicken pieces in a large Ziploc bag then season with cajun seasoning, salt, and oil. Marinate for 15-30 minutes in the fridge.
    • Preheat the grill pan for 3 minutes or until hot. Lightly grease the pan with oil or cooking spray.
    • Grill the chicken breast for 3 minutes, undisturbed. Flip and cook for 3 minutes or longer, until no longer pink and the internal temperature registers at 165°F.
      Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
    • Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
    • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    • Gradually stir in heavy cream and lemon zest. Whisking constantly for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
    • Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Slowly add freshly grated parmesan, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
      Add more parmesan cheese if needed and according to your liking.
    • Season with salt and pepper if necessary.
    • Stir in pasta, toss to combine. Serve with grilled cajun chicken breast, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onion, and a sprinkle of cajun seasoning.

    Nutrition

    Sodium: 1021mgCalcium: 475mgVitamin C: 2mgVitamin A: 2450IUSugar: 1gFiber: 2gPotassium: 574mgCholesterol: 217mgCalories: 726kcalSaturated Fat: 29gFat: 51gProtein: 43gCarbohydrates: 22gIron: 2mg
    Keyword Cajun Chicken Pasta, Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    « Cajun Seasoning Recipe (No Salt Added)
    Roasted Sweet Potatoes »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. melissa chapman

      November 09, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      5 stars
      A great and fun recipe indeed and your alfredo sauce looks so perfect and simple to copy.

    2. Chris Collins

      November 09, 2020 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      Now THIS is my kind of pasta! Cream, spice and chicken is always a winner!

    3. Amber Myers

      November 09, 2020 at 12:38 pm

      5 stars
      I just love pasta! Yum!

    4. Pam Wattenbarger

      November 09, 2020 at 12:43 pm

      I've had Cajun chicken alfredo pasta at O'Charley's, but not at Chilis. This looks really good!

    5. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      November 09, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      Always looking for a new pasta dish to try and I love the sound of this dish - the flavours sound so good!

    6. Sarah Bailey

      November 09, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      I love a good pasta meal and this sounds like it would be right up my street with the addition of cajun chicken too!

    7. Danielle Wolter

      November 09, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      I am just drooling over this. It looks and sounds so incredible! If I remember correctly, I'm a pretty big fan of the Chili's version!

    8. Kelli A

      November 09, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      We love Alfredo recipes in our home and have never tried Cajun chicken in our chicken Alfredo before. But I image it taste amazing.

    9. Chenée Lewis

      November 09, 2020 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! And such a fantastic mix of flavors with the cajun seasoning and cheesy sauce! Yum!

    10. Sally Humeniuk

      November 09, 2020 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      Cajun cooking is so underrated and I LOVE anything cajun with pasta. This chicken looks super juicy and I love how it's an easy weeknight meal, can't wait to put in on my menu! Thanks for sharing.

    11. Tasheena

      November 09, 2020 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so yummy. Looking forward to making this for my family.

    12. Heather

      November 09, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      I'm not a huge spicy food fan, but I would love to make this a little on the milder side. I think my family would love it!

    13. Janeane M Davis

      November 09, 2020 at 7:50 pm

      This looks like such a delicious meal. It certainly kicks regular chicken alfredo up a few notches.

    14. Maysz

      November 09, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love chicken and pasta and this recipe is great combination for perfect recipe

    15. Melissa

      November 09, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      5 stars
      Your Chili’s Copycat Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta looks delicious.

    16. Nikki Wayne

      November 09, 2020 at 10:06 pm

      5 stars
      The grilled chicken looks so awesome and the pasta as well!

    17. Chef Dennis

      November 10, 2020 at 1:43 am

      5 stars
      This Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is making my tummy growl! I'm definitely hungry right now.

    18. Ruth I

      November 10, 2020 at 6:15 am

      I love chicken! and this with pasta is a killer combo for me. I'm excited to try this with my family. This also looks fancy and really delicious. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe! I'll try making this soon.

    19. Jenn @ EngineerMommy

      November 10, 2020 at 8:20 am

      This alfredo pasta sounds so delicious. I love your pictures too - so mouth watering!

    20. Nyxie

      November 10, 2020 at 9:01 am

      This looks amazing. I can't wait to try making this.

    21. Swathi

      November 10, 2020 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      Chicken alfredo pasta looks delicious I would love to try it.

    22. Catalina

      November 11, 2020 at 3:30 am

      5 stars
      I am mouthwatering! This chicken looks so inviting!

    23. Lynndee

      November 11, 2020 at 7:45 am

      What an interesting recipe! I've had cajun chicken before, but never had this. Going to save your recipe.

    24. DiNuzzo

      November 11, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      This is going to be one of those meals i have after my stomach heals! yum

    25. Tara

      November 12, 2020 at 6:41 am

      Oh my gosh, your chicken looks grilled to perfection! I've never made Alfredo pasta at home before so I'm going to give this recipe a try.

    26. Rika Livingston

      November 16, 2020 at 11:26 am

      I think you are going to love the Cajun flavor, Lynndee!

    27. Rika Livingston

      November 16, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Thanks, Chef Dennis!

    28. Rika Livingston

      November 25, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      Give it a try! It's so easy to make@

    29. Rika Livingston

      November 25, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      Thanks, Maysz!

    30. Rika Livingston

      November 25, 2020 at 2:17 pm

      I think you are going to love the cajun flavor!

    31. Rika

      December 06, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      I agree with you! Cajun food always layers with flavors! It's absolutely one of my favorite cuisines.

    32. Rika

      December 06, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      Thanks, Danielle!

    33. Rika

      December 06, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      Enjoy!

      Best,

      Rika

    34. Rika

      December 06, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      Thanks, Amber!

    35. Rika

      December 06, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      Same 🙂 I love pasta with creamy sauce!

    36. Rika

      December 06, 2020 at 8:43 pm

      Thanks, Melissa!

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