Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and creamy Alfredo sauce infused with bold Cajun spices. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights, made in just one pot to minimize cleanup while delivering rich flavors with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 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 Ingredients
- 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
Produce & Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 over medium-high heat in a large pot or deep skillet, then brown the chicken pieces until they are golden on all sides.
- Add Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook until the sausage is lightly browned, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Cook Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about two minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the uncooked penne pasta and Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged.
- 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 has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add chopped Italian parsley and season with additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and brightness—don’t skip the garnish.
