Craving a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo is your answer. Perfectly seasoned chicken meets a rich, creamy sauce in this quick weeknight dish. Get ready for a flavor-packed dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Steps
- Preparation: Begin by cutting the broccoli into small florets, and finely dicing the shallot. Mince the garlic and grate 2 ounces of parmesan cheese. Chop chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, pat them dry, and coat with Cajun seasoning.
- Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and cook the broccoli in the same pan until it browns slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Steaming: Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan with the broccoli and cover it. Allow the broccoli to steam for about 2 minutes until it softens slightly. Remove the broccoli and set it aside with the chicken.
- Sautéing: Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the skillet. Sauté the shallots until they become translucent, then add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Boiling: Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream, and dried pasta into the skillet. Stir everything together, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just under al dente.
- Simmering: Remove the lid and return the chicken, broccoli, and any juices back to the pan. Stir in the grated parmesan and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Chop parsley while the sauce simmers.
- Serving: Serve the dish hot, garnished with more parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spices, salt, or pepper if needed before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (approximately 3 cups) fresh broccoli florets
- 1 shallot (or substitute with a small yellow onion)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 cups)
- Cajun seasoning (start with 1 tablespoon, adjust as needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with half and half)
- 12 ounces dried penne rigate pasta (or similar pasta shapes like cavatappi, orecchiette, rotini, gemelli, conchigliette, or farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups chicken stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1001 kcal | Carbohydrates: 59 g | Protein: 52 g | Fat: 63 g | Saturated Fat: 35 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18 g | Trans Fat: 0.2 g | Cholesterol: 253 mg | Sodium: 669 mg | Potassium: 1259 mg | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 9 g | Vitamin A: 5536 IU | Vitamin C: 56 mg | Calcium: 319 mg | Iron: 4 mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo in advance?
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to its creamy nature, making it less ideal for preparing ahead of time.
- What can I serve alongside chicken Alfredo?
- Given its rich and creamy profile, pairing it with a light salad is recommended to balance the meal.
- What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
- If the sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more cream, milk, or chicken broth.
- How can I prevent the sauce from breaking?
- To avoid sauce separation, heat the cream gradually, stir regularly, and avoid letting it boil too vigorously. If it does break, whisk in a splash of cream to bring it back together.
- How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slowly on low heat in a skillet with a splash of cream, broth, or water. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Tips
- Start with Less Cajun Seasoning: Begin with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and adjust to taste. Different blends vary in saltiness, so it’s better to add more later than to over-salt the dish initially.
- Sear the Broccoli for Extra Flavor: Although not mandatory, searing the broccoli before steaming adds a delightful layer of flavor that enhances the dish.
- Cook Pasta Just Under Al Dente: To prevent overcooking, check the pasta package for cooking times and reduce by a minute or two. Pasta will continue to cook while the sauce simmers.
- Remove from Heat Before Desired Consistency: Since creamy sauces thicken as they cool, take your pan off the heat just prior to reaching the perfect consistency to avoid an overly thick sauce.
Equipment
- Microplane
- Kitchen scale
- Skillet with lid
- Garlic press
