Cajun Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

This creamy Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo brings restaurant worthy flavor straight to your kitchen in under an hour, making it a standout choice for anyone searching for a quick and easy alfredo recipe with a spicy twist. With bold Cajun spiced chicken, crisp green broccoli, and luscious Parmesan Alfredo sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 15 minutes of prep and 45 to 60 minutes total, perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals.

I first made this Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo on a chilly Friday night, inspired by my favorite restaurant's bold flavors and craving something warming for my family. After one bite, my kids begged for seconds and demanded we add it to our weekly rotation, and the leftovers never lasted more than a day. It has become our most requested weeknight meal, winning over everyone with its creamy, comforting sauce and hint of heat from the Cajun spices.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts for Cajun chicken: Absorb the Cajun seasoning and remain juicy sliced over pasta; look for thicker pieces for best texture or use chicken thighs for more flavor
• Cajun seasoning blend: Adds smoky, zesty flavor with just enough heat; use one with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne for authenticity or reduce spice as desired
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and enriches the sauce with subtle flavor; choose fresh, high quality oil for best results
• Broccoli florets: Provide bright color and crunch; fresh broccoli is best but frozen works for convenience and budget efficiency
• Garlic cloves: Bring aromatic depth to the Alfredo sauce; always use fresh for maximum flavor or substitute jarred if needed
• Butter: Delivers silky richness to the sauce; unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning
• Heavy cream: Creates a luscious and indulgent sauce; half and half or evaporated milk can be used for a lighter option
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, giving a complex, nutty flavor; always grate from a block and substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper note if desired
• Fettuccine pasta: The wide noodles are perfect for catching the creamy sauce; swap for penne, spaghetti, or gluten free pasta to fit your preferences or dietary needs
• Fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential to balance the flavors and season every layer of the dish; taste and adjust as you cook

How to Make Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Prepare and Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook according to package instructions until just al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well but do not rinse, and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking so the sauce clings perfectly later.

Season and Sear the Cajun Chicken:

Pat 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and sprinkle both sides generously with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, pressing to coat the surface. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown outside and no pink remains inside. Let the chicken rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing thinly, covering lightly with foil to retain juiciness.

Steam or Cook the Broccoli:

While chicken cooks, steam 3 cups of broccoli florets over simmering water for 4 to 5 minutes until vivid green and just fork-tender. Alternatively, boil briefly in salted water and drain thoroughly, making sure not to overcook so the broccoli stays crisp and vibrant.

Build the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat without cleaning out flavorful bits from the chicken. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping browned bits into the sauce. Let it thicken for 4 to 5 minutes until it lightly coats the back of a spoon, then reduce heat and whisk in 1 and a half cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and velvety, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Toss Pasta and Broccoli in Alfredo Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli directly into the skillet with Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly with kitchen tongs to ensure all noodles and broccoli florets are evenly coated, adding a tablespoon of reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.

Finish with Sliced Cajun Chicken:

Layer the sliced Cajun chicken over the pasta and gently mix to let the spice infuse the Alfredo. Return the skillet to low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and everything to heat through without splitting the sauce.

Garnish and Serve:

Top the dish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired. Serve piping hot in generous bowls for maximum creaminess and enjoy immediately.

One of my favorite discoveries with Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo came after stirring a handful of extra Parmesan into the skillet right at the end. The cheese melted into creamy pockets, making every forkful even more indulgent. Now this meal is my go to comfort food when my family needs a little lift or wants to end a long day with a cozy dinner together.

Smart Swaps and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize your Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo to fit your dietary needs or pantry supplies. Swap out fettuccine with your favorite gluten free pasta for an allergy friendly version, or use rotisserie chicken for a super fast weeknight fix. Lighter options like half and half, almond milk, or even Greek yogurt make the sauce creamy but lower in calories, and you can boost vegetables by adding roasted peppers or fresh baby spinach in place of broccoli depending on the season for more color and nutrients.

How to Store and Reheat Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

This creamy Cajun pasta can be made ahead for meal prep or easily saved for convenient leftovers. Store cooled pasta in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For freezing, let the dish cool completely before placing single servings in freezer safe boxes, lasting up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to keep the Alfredo sauce velvety smooth, adding a little water as needed to refresh the texture.

What to Serve with Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Pair your Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo with light, refreshing sides to balance its creamy richness. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette brightens the meal and adds a vibrant contrast. Fresh garlic bread, focaccia, or simple buttered rolls are perfect for soaking up leftover sauce, and on special occasions, serve with roasted asparagus or a medley of colorful grilled vegetables for an elegant touch.

Nutritional Benefits

This Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo is packed with lean protein from chicken, immune supporting vitamin C and fiber from broccoli, plus calcium and healthy fats from Parmesan and cream. With pasta and vegetables in every bowl, the meal is both filling and energizing. It also works well for gluten free or dairy free diets with simple ingredient swaps, making it a nourishing choice for a range of healthy lifestyles.

Recipe Success Tips

For silky Alfredo sauce, add a splash of pasta water if it thickens too much during tossing so it stays creamy. Avoid overcooking the broccoli to keep its color bright and texture crisp. Always rest your chicken before slicing so the meat stays juicy and tender in every bite, ensuring the finished dish remains restaurant quality no matter your experience level.

This quick Cajun chicken and broccoli alfredo brings bold, crave worthy flavor to your table in less than an hour. Enjoy this easy creamy pasta any night of the week and let your family discover their own favorite twist.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Fettuccine is ideal as it holds the creamy Alfredo sauce well, but linguine or penne also work nicely.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be steamed or cooked just like fresh. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ How spicy is the Cajun chicken?

The level of heat depends on the Cajun seasoning used. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk combined with a little butter can be used, though the sauce will be lighter.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?

Simply omit the chicken or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a hearty meatless version.