Chili's Cajun Alfredo Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
440 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chili's Cajun Alfredo Chicken Pasta
Description
The dish begins by cooking penne pasta until tender, followed by seasoning thin chicken breast pieces with Cajun seasoning and pan-searing them until cooked through. The sauce is prepared using a butter and flour roux, to which milk is gradually added and cooked until smooth and thickened. Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese are mixed into the sauce for a cheesy, spicy flavor profile. The pasta is tossed with this sauce, then plated with sliced chicken on top, and garnished with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro, providing brightness and a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
This pasta works as a filling dinner option, blending creamy and spicy elements. The inclusion of fresh tomatoes and cilantro adds texture and a mild freshness that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce and the bold Cajun seasoning on the chicken.
Notes suggest making homemade Cajun seasoning for precise flavor control, and mention a variation by replacing tomatoes with diced red bell pepper if preferred.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breast boneless skinless
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided (see note)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 ½ cups milk (I used fat free half and half)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1 tomato diced (see note)
- cilantro roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook penne noodles according to package's instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Slice chicken in half horizontally so that you have 4 thin pieces of chicken. Season chicken on both sides using 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Cook in a greased pan or skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- In a medium sauce pan melt butter over medium-high heat. Add flour and stir until mixture clumps together. Gradually whisk in milk until lumps dissolve and mixture is smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and remaining cajun seasoning. Add cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Toss sauce with the cooked penne noodles. Slice chicken and place on top of pasta, then sprinkle with chopped tomatoes and cilantro.
Notes
- Homemade Cajun seasoning can be made by mixing salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, onion salt, cayenne pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you dislike tomatoes, diced red bell pepper can be used as a fresh alternative without losing flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 440 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 440kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 274mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 723mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 2328IU | 47% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 300mg | 30% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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