Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
611 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Description
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta blends cooked farfalle pasta with bite-size chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun spices. The sauce combines cream cheese and milk melted together to create a creamy base enriched with Parmesan cheese. Garlic is sautéed in butter before adding chicken and optional vegetables. The chicken cooks until nearly done with the seasoning, then the dairy components are added to form a smooth sauce. The cooked pasta is stirred in last along with salt and black pepper to taste.
The resulting dish has a creamy, velvety texture with a gentle heat and aromatic spices from the Cajun blend. The pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite flavorful. Adding fresh vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach enhances texture and nutrition.
This dish is served immediately to preserve its creamy consistency. It works well for dinner and pairs with simple sides or a green salad. The recipe also supports various swaps like whole grain pasta or low-fat dairy alternatives for dietary preferences. Vegetables can be sautéed beforehand and included in the sauce for added color and flavor.
Prepared ahead, the cooked chicken and vegetables can be stored refrigerated and reheated with pasta and cheese added fresh at serving time.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta (or your favorite type)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 pound chicken breast about 2 breasts), cut into bite-size pieces, boneless skinless
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning , more or less, to taste
- 4 ounces cream cheese , softened and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon salt , more to taste, if needed
- vegetables see note, fresh, if desired
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
- Cook chicken: In a large pot or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chicken pieces (and any desired vegetables*) and season with cajun seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Add milk and cream cheese, stirring well until cream cheese has melted and sauce is smooth, 2-3 minutes. Stir in pasta, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Include fresh vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- Sauté vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding chicken for best results.
- For healthier options, use whole grain pasta, substitute olive oil for some or all butter, and choose low-fat cream cheese and skim milk.
- Cook vegetables and chicken in the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate; reheat and stir in pasta and cheese when serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 611 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 611kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 140mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 912mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 746mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1345IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 295mg | 30% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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